Trace Evidence Examination

Examination of soil, paint, glass, metal, and fibers; tool mark comparisons; Advanced instrumentation like Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS), Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer (STA), and Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) enable precise material analysis. Video Spectral Comparator (VSC-8000) supports ink and document forgery detection.

Division Scope

Material identification, comparison, and source linking; microscopic & spectrometric characterization; document ink differentiation; vehicle serial number restoration.

Division & Subject Head :
Dr S.R.Kote

Designation :
Deputy Director

Email :
[email protected]

Phone :

Key Evidence Types

Soil

Mineralogy, particle size, organic content for scene-to-suspect association.

Paint

Layer structure, binders, pigments for vehicle and tool contact evidence.

Glass

RI & elemental profile; fracture analysis for direction-of-force.

Metal

Alloy composition & surface marks; serial/engine number restoration.

Fibers

Microscopy & spectra for class/type; dye comparison and transfer.

Tool Marks

Striation & impression matching to suspect tools; class & individual traits.

Core Instrumentation

Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer (AAS)

Elemental quantification in trace matrices (glass, metals, soils, paint).

Simultaneous Thermal Analyzer (STA)

TG/DSC for thermal behavior and binder/vehicle insights.

Energy Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF)

Non-destructive elemental fingerprinting for class discrimination & sourcing.

Video Spectral Comparator (VSC-8000)

Ink/toner differentiation, alterations, and security features on forged documents (currency, stamps, stamp papers, lottery tickets, certificates, cheques).

Examination Workflow

Receipt & Triage

Registered with unique IDs; packaging & seal integrity verified.

Non-Destructive Screening

Microscopy/EDXRF first to preserve evidence whenever possible.

Comparative Analysis

Class & individual characteristics matched against controls/knowns.

Reporting

Clear, court-ready conclusions with method references & uncertainties.

Quality & Chain-of-Custody

Accreditation aligned; evidence logged across each transfer step.

Court Support

Expert testimony and demonstratives for clear scientific interpretation.

Applications:

Murder, theft, vehicle accidents, tampering & forgery, hit-and-run reconstruction, source attribution, and serial/engine number restoration in obliterated metals.

FAQ's

How to collect Exhibit?

1. Use Magnifying lens to observe the delicate exhibits 2. Use hand gloves for collecting exhibits. 3. Use Forceps for collecting small and delicate exhibits. 4. Collect all questioned documents should be without Laminated 5. Photograph the impression of tool mark, footwear, tyre before casting it. 6. While photograph include a scale and identification Label.

Which points should be included in forwarding letter?

1. CR/ADR No. 2. Accused/ deceased name. 3. Sample Seal impression. 4. Relevant questions. 5. Date. 6. Exhibit description as per ‘Panchnama’.

How to forward exhibits?

1. Proper seal. 2. Label with all important details 3. Exhibit Should not be wet. 4. Questioned documents should be without lamination. 5. There should be control sample for paints, label, ligature, earth and Paper. 6. Skin should be Preserved in NaCl.

What preservative is used for skin samples?

Sodium Chloride

What is the time period for submission of evidences (samples) in the laboratory ?

As early as possible. (Within 3 months)