Forensic Discrimination Potential of Video Spectral Comparator and Micro Spectrophotometer in Analyzing Question Document and Fraud Cases in India

Khairkar Sr,Gaikawad Sv

doi:10.4172/2157-7145.1000329

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the discriminating power of non-destructive methods, including optical methods likes the Video spectral comparator method (VSC) and Micro spectrophotometer (MSP) used to differentiate ballpoint pen ink which is commonly used in question document and fraud cases in India. Documents have been investigated to determine the feasibility of utilizing the Video spectral comparator method (VSC) and Micro spectrophotometer (MSP) for the differentiation and comparison of inks on paper. The work focused on how to develop the most effective procedure to ensure quality, when Micro spectrophotometer is used to differentiate writing materials by characteristics color scan of each ink. Six different commercially available blue ballpoint pen inks produced from most popular pens in Indian Market which were used as research material. We have studied most selling pens in Indian market (Reynolds, Parker, and Lexis 2 types, Cello griper and local made pen) for overwriting, alternation and modification of ballpoint pen ink on documents. These pens are generally used on questioned document in forensic discrimination cases and these questioned documents cases received by forensic science laboratories regularly. In forensic discrimination cases generally initial writing is overwritten by using other ink and to identify which ink was used to overwrite is challenging task in field of forensic science. The present study highlighted that the Video Spectral Comparator method (VSC) and Micro spectrophotometer (MSP) can be used routinely in such types of document cases and it has demonstrated to be an excellent analytical method for the forensic analysis of inks on a questioned document.

Highlights

Forensic document examiner often deals with questions of document authenticity
The present work concerns research into the possibility of differentiating between blue ballpoint pen inks by means of five techniques which do not require the destruction of the document, based on the following: measurement of the level of absorption and luminescence of ballpoint pen inks in visible, Infrared light and Raman absorption spectrometry [2,3,4]; and one technique which destroys the document – thin layer chromatography [5]
The absorption and luminescence properties in visible and infrared light of blue ballpoint pen inks were examined by means of Video spectral comparator method (VSC) 5000 HR produced by Foster+Freeman Ltd., equipped with a system of filters letting through light of a specified wavelength – from 600 nm to 1000 nm

Summary

Introduction

Forensic document examiner often deals with questions of document authenticity. To determine whether the document is genuine, a scientist may attempt to confirm who create the document, identify the material, ink used in its preparation and uncover modification to the original text. In forensic laboratory in India, scientist regularly receive many types of document forgery cases such as cheque, power of attorney, testaments, property papers, schoolcollege registers, medical bills, cast certificates, pan card, voting I-card, ration card for forensic examination [1]. In these types of document some documents have font and letter difference, some have ink difference in name, overwriting in letters, date and name.

Objectives

Methods

Discussion

Conclusion