Review article Forensic investigation of arson residue by infrared and Raman spectroscopy: From conventional to non-destructive techniques Vijay Kumar Yadav, Kriti Nigam and Ankit Srivastava Abstract Arson can result in highly challenging and complicated crime scenes. Much physical evidence undergoes chemical deg- radation because of the destructive nature of fire, while accelerants either completely burn or evaporate, and may be present in traces within any of the decomposed materials. To identify the original material and the accelerant involved, it is necessary to use advanced analytical techniques. Gas chromatography, with different detectors, is one of the most frequently used instruments in fire debris and accelerant analysis. Among other instruments, capillary electrophoresis and laser-induced thermal desorption Fourier transform mass spectrometry are two major contributors. Vibrational spectroscopy, including infrared absorption and Raman scattering, is one of the major non-destructive tools for the analysis of evidence because of its advantages over other spectroscopic techniques. Most studies involving vibrational spectroscopy (i.e. infrared and Raman spectroscopy) have focused on the identification of commonly found household materials, while very few studies have considered the identification of ignitable liquids. This article reviews studies based on an analysis of fire debris and accelerants by vibrational spectroscopic techniques and considers the limitations and future perspectives of arson investigations in forensic science. Keywords Arson, gas chromatography, non-destructive techniques, infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, forensic science Introduction Scientific aids can provide assistance with criminal investigations, and the application of scientific technol- ogy and advances for the purpose of criminal investi- gation is regarded as forensic science. When considering a criminal act, physical evidence can facil- itate scientific examination and provide clues that may lead to a conclusion that is beyond reasonable doubt. With advancements in science and technology, several conventional methodologies have been either modified or replaced over time. Arson, however, is one of the oldest crimes. Setting fire to a valuable object or prop- erty, aiming to cause damage or to fulfil any illicit intent, is known as arson. 1 Arson can cause damage to both health and wealth, and the investigation of arson cases can pose numerous challenges to investi- gating officers because many things are destroyed as a consequence of fire. However, despite this, an analysis of fire debris can provide significant information in a particular case. Over time, researchers have reported various techniques, technologies and methodologies for effective analysis to strengthen criminal investiga- tions. 2–4 Analysing accelerants is also of great signifi- cance. To ensure effective and high-quality investigation of fire scenes, a wide spectrum of knowl- edge about the nature of fire, accelerants and the inves- tigative tool is required. At the scene of the occurrence, to locate the evidence, ultraviolet light may be used, while proper handling of the scene and evidence can strengthen the investigation. 2–6 Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology, Bundelkhand University, India Corresponding author: Ankit Srivastava, Dr A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Institute of Forensic Science and Criminology, Bundelkhand University, Jhansi – 284128, Uttar Pradesh, India. Email: ankit_forensic81@rediffmail.com Medicine, Science and the Law 0(0) 1–10 ! The Author(s) 2020 Article reuse guidelines: sagepub.com/journals-permissions DOI: 10.1177/0025802420914807 journals.sagepub.com/home/msl