Kolkata Murder Trial Pioneers IPDR Forensics to Verify WhatsApp Video Call Evidence
In a groundbreaking legal development, the trial of murdered criminal-turned-police informer Hazrat Laskar (29) at Barasat Court last week witnessed prosecutors employing advanced forensic technology to establish crucial digital evidence. This marks one of the first instances in India where Internet Protocol Detail Records (IPDR) have been utilized in a criminal proceeding to technically verify communication details.
Digital Forensics Breakthrough in Murder Investigation
The state prosecution, led by special public prosecutor Bivas Chatterjee, sought to introduce additional evidence in the murder case where Laskar's body was discovered on January 31 last year. "His wife witnessed the two assailants during a video call made minutes before the murder," explained Chatterjee. "However, we aimed to substantiate beyond mere oral testimony. Consequently, we meticulously examined the Internet Protocol Detail Records of both the victim and his spouse, alongside WhatsApp metadata."
A cyber-forensic expert presented analysis in court last Friday, confirming that IPDR provided definitive proof of the video call. Chatterjee elaborated, "IPDR functions similarly to Call Detail Records for telephone communications, offering a comprehensive 'who, when, and where' of internet usage. Our investigation revealed that the source IP address of the victim's wife matched precisely with the destination IP address of the victim. Furthermore, port analysis conclusively identified the communication as a WhatsApp video call."
Understanding IPDR Technology and Its Forensic Applications
Internet Protocol Detail Records represent structured logs generated by Internet Service Providers and telecommunications operators that meticulously document metadata concerning user internet activities. Unlike content analysis, IPDR captures essential session details including source and destination IP addresses, port numbers, precise timestamps, and data volume metrics.
This technology enables investigators to track which specific applications, websites, and online services were accessed during any given session. IPDR has become increasingly vital for digital forensics investigations, network management optimization, and law enforcement operations requiring verifiable digital evidence.
Gruesome Discovery and Investigation Details
Police authorities in North 24 Parganas made a horrifying discovery sixteen days after initially finding Laskar's partially burned and mutilated body in a paddy field at Choto Jagulia, within Duttapukur Police Station jurisdiction. Investigators recovered the victim's severed head during subsequent searches, as documented in the official charge sheet.
The primary accused, Obaidullah Gazi alias Jalil, directed officers to the concealed location during interrogation. The body had been wrapped in plastic and hidden within a marshy area of the field. Police investigations revealed that Laskar had maintained an ongoing relationship with the wife of his cousin, Gazi, even after her marriage, creating escalating family tensions that ultimately triggered the violent attack.
Arrests and Investigative Developments
Law enforcement authorities arrested Gazi along with his wife, Puja Das, shortly after recovering Laskar's remains. A third individual, Sophia Khatun, was apprehended subsequently as the investigation progressed. Detectives are also examining Laskar's recent role as a police informant, having transitioned from criminal activities to assisting officers with identifying and apprehending suspects in the local area.
This cooperation with law enforcement reportedly created significant friction with Gazi, who allegedly remained involved in criminal enterprises. The combination of personal relationship conflicts and professional informant activities created a volatile situation that culminated in the tragic murder, according to police statements included in the charge sheet.
