Interview with Dr Sudhir K Gupta, Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at AIIMS, New Delhi

The worst scourge of modern times—COVID-19—has sucked up the world’s energy. For the past two weeks international attention has focused relentlessly on preventing and containing the spread of the virus. At this hour of grave crisis, Dr Sudhir K Gupta, Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at AIIMS, New Delhi, was tasked with formulating the protocol and methodology of the last rites of those who were killed by the deadly virus. The task in hand was of national and international importance. In the absence of any point of reference earlier, it needed to be worked out in a very short span of time. Dr Gupta has been associated with AIIMS for about a quarter of a century and has used the opportunity to promote progress in the field of forensic medicine. He has helped in the process of justice through forensic investigations in several cases in partnership with Interpol, CBI, NIA, NHRC, Delhi Police, various state police, and all the levels of judiciary. He has also been teaching MBBS, MD, PhD students at AIIMS and has provided specialized training to national and international doctors. He has received recognition for his work in the field of forensic medicine by the Coroners Association of Europe, America, Scotland Yard Police-UK, FBI and police of other countries like Australia, Taiwan, Singapore, and all Asian countries. Dr Gupta has been recognized by the American Association of Surgeons. Days after he formulated the last rites protocol and submitted it to the Indian Government, Dr Gupta spoke to Anjay Sinha, India Empire’s Associate Editor, at AIIMS. Here are excerpts from what is an exclusive interview