Novel C stain-based chemical method for differentiating real and forged fingerprints

Background Fingerprints are useful evidence for establishing identities. Development and detection of fingerprints are of immense help in criminal investigation. However, forged fingerprints identical to the real ones are emerging as a worldwide problem. Existing methods for development of fingerprints (powder method/iodine fuming method/ninhydrin test/AgNO 3 ) fail to distinguish between real and forged fingerprints when forged fingerprints are fortified with salts and amino acids. The present study was conducted with the objective to test applicability of C stain for real and forged fingerprint differentiation. Methodology C stain was applied on real and forged fingerprints in combination with conventional methods and was evaluated on the basis of development and differentiation of real and forged fingerprints. Results The proposed technique is successful in differentiating between real and forged fingerprints. Colour difference between real and forged fingerprints was observed by taking a combination of C stain with ninhydrin, black powder and iodine fuming, one at a time. Conclusion C stain method is an effective technique for distinguishing forged fingerprints from the real ones. It works as a distinction tool even when used in combination with existing development methods.