Egyptian Journal of Forensic Sciences (Dec 2016)

New developing reagent for latent fingermark visualization: Fuller’s earth (Multani Mitti)

  • Pallavi Thakur,
  • Rakesh K. Garg

DOI
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ejfs.2016.11.007
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 6, no. 4
pp. 449 – 458

Abstract

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A number of methods have been reported in the literature for the development of latent fingermarks on different surfaces. This paper reports a new and simple powdering method which is non-toxic and has been employed on different substrates successfully for the development and visualization of latent fingermarks up to the time period of 6 days in varying temperature conditions. In this investigation a less expensive, simple and easily available fuller’s earth (Multani Mitti) powder has been used to decipher the latent fingermarks on different substrates namely black cardboard box, clear glass, coverslip box, steel surface, laminated wooden sheet, clear plastic, colored plastic bag and surface of highlighter pen. It is observed that it gives very clear results on majority of substrates and can be successfully used for the development and visualization of latent fingermarks.

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