PRACTICAL 7
SEQUENCE OF STROKES EXAMINATION.
Aim: To determine the sequence of strokes for the given samples.
Materials Required: Questioned sample, stereo microscope, pencils (red and blue).
Theory:
Sequence of strokes is defined as the order in which writing strokes are placed on
the paper. Sequence determination is a type of examination conducted to determine which
of the two strokes were made first. Intersecting writing strokes may have distinctive
patterns, depending upon the order of writing, the lapse of time between the two writings,
the density of the two strokes, and the kind of inks, writing instruments, and paper used.
With the stereoscopic microscope or a hand magnifier aided by skilfully controlled
lighting and IR or digital imaging systems, the true order of preparation may be revealed
and demonstrated to a lay observer.
In sequence determination the following is checked:
1. Continuity of the stroke: The second stroke would be continuous.’
2. Dragging: The ink from the old stroke gets dragged into the new.
3. Spreading: The ink from the new spreads into the old. The old line will appear thicker.
The possible types of intersections are:
• Intersection of two ball point pens.
• Intersection of two fluid ink pens.
• Intersection of ball point pen with a fluid ink pen.
• Intersection of pencil lines.
• Intersection of pencil and ink pens etc.
• Intersection of writing instrument with printed matter.
• Intersection of writing instrument with a stamped impression.
• Intersection of lines with folds and creases in the paper.
Intersection of Ink lines
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When the two ink lines which are still wet intersect there occurs merging of the ink, so when
they dry up there will be no evidence to determine the sequence of strokes. If an ink line,
well charged with ink, crosses another which, although no longer moist, has not yet dried
hard, there will almost invariably be a
flow of ink from the new line into the old. This overflowing ink will dry with a well defined
edge which can be observed on microscopic examination.
Intersection of Gel pen strokes
In the case of gel pens, the track of the ink line may be observed which can depict the
order of the strokes.
Also sometimes the gel ink line may drag the ink of the previously written strokes, which
can be observed in the different colors of the inks, this can give an idea about the
sequence of strokes as well as the direction of the strokes.
Intersection of Ball point pens
Interruption of the groove edges in one line would indicate that it is written first. If the
first groove is deep, the second line may narrow slightly as it crosses, or may show a
microscopic skipping, This is because of the reason that the subsequent stroke fails to
make contact with the deepest part of the grooves.
This same phenomenon can occur when the ballpoint pen crosses a significantly grooved
pencil stroke.
Procedure:
1. The questioned samples were collected and were marked using a red pencil as
questioned.
2. The samples were observed under stereomicroscope.
3. The points of intersection were examined and photographed.
Observation:
Observation under stereomicroscope is recorded in a tabular column. The continuity
of strokes, spreading of ink and dragging of ink under the microscope are observed and
written on the blank side using pencil adjacent to the procedure.
Conclusion:
The sequence of strokes has been determined for the given sample:
Sample A:______________
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Sample B: ______________
Sample C: ______________
Precautions:
1. Handle the document carefully.
2. Handle the stereo microscope carefully.
3. Switch off the light of stereomicroscope immediately while not in use as it is very
sensitive.
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PRACTICAL 8
EXAMINATION OF SECURITY FEATURES OF INDIAN PASSPORT
Aim: To study the security features in Indian passport.
Materials Required: Indian passport, UV chamber, magnifying lens, stereomicroscope.
Theory:
Passport is a travel document which certifies the identity and nationality of its holder
for the purpose of international travel. The Indian passport is a passport issued by order of the
President of India to citizens of India for the purpose of international travel. It enables the
passport holder to travel internationally and serves as proof of citizenship. The Passport Seva
(Passport Service) unit of the Consular, Passport & Visa (CPV) Division of the Ministry of
External Affairs, functions as the central passport organization and is responsible for issuing
Indian passports on demand to all eligible Indian citizens. There are 3 basic types of Indian
passport.
Types of Indian Passports
1. Regular/Ordinary/Tourist Passport- Issued for ordinary travel, such as vacations and
business trips (36 or 60 pages). It is a "Type P" passport, where P stands for Personal and the
cover of this passport is of deep blue/black.
2. Official/Service/Special Passport- Issued to individuals representing the Indian government
on official business. It is a "Type S" passport, where S stands for Service and the cover of this
passport is of white.
3. Diplomatic Passport- Issued to Indian diplomats, top ranking government officials and
diplomatic couriers. It is a "Type D" passport, where D stands for Diplomatic and the cover
of this passport is of maroon.
Observation:
1. Physical Appearance: India passports have a deep blue cover with golden green color
content.
2. Emblem of India is emblazoned in the centre of the front cover.
3. The word ‘PASSPORT’ in both Hindi and English are inscribed above the Emblem
whereas the ‘भारत गणराǛ’ in Hindi and ‘REPUBLIC OF INDIA’ in English are inscribed
below the Emblem.
4. The passport contains a note from the President of India addressing the authorities of all
territories.
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5. The signature and seal of the issuing authority are printed on the front overleaf. 6. The
opening cover of the passport contains the passport holder’s identity features which include
the following:
a) Photograph of the passport holder.
b) Signature of the passport holder.
c) The ‘letter screen image’ also called as ghost image of the holder is found on the right side
which is made of the data in passport.
d) Passport number.
e) Name and Surname of the passport holder where name and surname are mentioned
separately.
f) Nationality.
g) Gender of the passport holder.
h) Date of Birth of the passport holder.
i) Place of Birth of the passport holder.
j) Place of Issue of the passport.
k) Date of Issue of the passport.
l) Date of Expiry of the passport.
m) The page ends with the Machine Readable Passport Zone.
7. The closing cover of the passport is demographic page which includes the following: a)
Father’s Name/Legal Guardian’s Name of the passport holder.
b) Mother’s Name of the passport holder.
c) Spouse’s Name of the passport holder.
d) Address of the passport holder.
e) Old passport number with date and place of issue.
f) File number.
8. The last page contains ‘भारतसरकार ’ printed in perpendicular lines which fluoresce under
the UV light.
9. Optical fibers are present in all pages which fluoresce under UV.
10. The page numbers fluoresce under UV.
11. The Ashoka Emblem on the front and back cover fluoresce under UV light. 12.
Micro-printed lines that divide the pages into four quadrants are present in every page. The
letters ‘VISA PAGE NO’ are printed.
13. Watermark of Ashoka Emblem is present on every page.
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Conclusion:
The security features in Indian passport were identified successfully.
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