3. How forensic sleuths make a piece of paper talk

 

3. How forensic sleuths make a piece of paper talk

Reading the right way In 2023, document analyses at the Forensic Science Laboratory helped solve 20% more cases than in 2022. A cryptic ransom note or a message scrawled on a burnt scrap — such mysteries as these hold the key to seemingly unsolvable crimes. Clues like these may mystify everyone else, but there’s no mystery too complex for forensic document experts. Their reports are admissible in court under Section 293 of the Criminal Procedure Code. Nothing is written off In several cases, the experts analyse indented writing. This is the scrutiny of the mirror but a fainter copy created by the pressure of the pen on a lower page of something written on a notepad or a stack of papers. “If pages are torn from notebooks where the perpetrator or victim had written something, we can analyse the pages for clues to the actual message,” an official explained. What’s hidden Analysts also look for hidden messages. “Suppose a criminal sends a note to an accomplice, but it is intercepted by police. The note might simply say. ‘How are you?’ This will baffle the investigators…We find these secret messages and assist law enforcement agencies in solving crimes,” the official said. Expert opinion Anurag Sharma, assistant director (Documents), FSL, said, “The electrostatic detection apparatus is employed to study indentations or impressions on paper, while Raman spectroscopy is utilised to further distinguish between inks.” Sanjeev Kumar Gupta, division head (Crime Scene), FSL, said, “The crime scene documents are photographed from all angles as are the writings. The photos assist experts in assessing the clues,” said Gupta. Read more here