Forensic Science Government Examiner of Questioned Documents

Definition

The Government Examiner of Questioned Documents (GEQD) is a forensic expert officially designated by the Government of India to investigate the authenticity of disputed documents. This role involves the scientific examination of handwriting, signatures, alterations, and print characteristics to uncover forgery, tampering, or manipulation. GEQDs operate as part of a national forensic system under the Ministry of Home Affairs, assisting in both criminal and civil cases by delivering expert analysis critical to the justice process.

History

The study of questioned documents has a long history, going all the way back to the 3rd century A.D. Over time, it has developed with the help of both science and law.
In India, the official role of Government Examiner of Questioned Documents (GEQD) was created during the time of British rule. This role was set up to help the police and courts check whether documents were real or fake.
The first GEQD in India was appointed in Shimla in 1906 and worked under what is now known as the Bureau of Police Research and Development (BPR&D).
Later, in 1949, S. N. Sen became the first Indian to hold this position, taking over from British experts like F. Brewster and R. Stott.
As the need for document verification grew, new GEQD offices were opened in Kolkata, Hyderabad, and Shimla. These three centers became the main hubs for questioned document examination in India.
Today, these offices work under the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFSS), which is part of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

Locations

Shimla GEQD: Established in 1906, it is now part of CFSL Chandigarh.

Kolkata GEQD: Started in the 1960s, operates within CFSL Kolkata.

Hyderabad GEQD: Founded in 1968, it functions under CFSL Hyderabad.

Role of GEQD

Acts as a government-appointed forensic expert for disputed documents.
Supports law enforcement and courts by scientifically verifying document authenticity.
Provides expert analysis and opinions on questioned writings.

Functions of GEQD

Analyze handwriting and signatures to confirm origin or genuineness.
Identify document tampering, including erasures and forgeries.
Verify the legitimacy of important papers like wills and currency.
Examine printing, typing, stamps, and seals for signs of manipulation.
Assess ink and paper to help determine age and authenticity.
Restore and interpret hidden or damaged text.
Produce forensic reports and testify as expert witnesses in legal cases.

Essential Tools & Techniques in Forensic Document Examination

1.Visual & Optical Analysis Tools

To reveal fine details not visible to the naked eye, various optical instruments are employed in forensic document analysis.

Common Devices

Stereomicroscope

Allows detailed inspection of document surfaces. Helps in identifying trace marks, fiber damage, indentations, and line sequence (e.g., pen lifts or overlaps).

Comparison Microscope

Enables side-by-side comparison of handwriting, printed matter, or ink strokes under magnification.

Polarizing Microscope

Useful in identifying the optical properties of paper coatings or ink particles.

UV & Visible Light Sources

Emit light between 200 and 800 nm to detect hidden alterations, watermarks, or erased content under fluorescence.

Electron & Compound Microscopes

Employed when ultra-high magnification is needed for ink or paper surface analysis.

2.Imaging & Documentation Devices

Visual recording of evidence is critical before any physical or chemical testing.

Examples

Digital Cameras

Used to capture high-resolution images of documents and evidence locations.

Scanners

Provide detailed digital copies for analysis and archiving.

Magnifying Lenses

Quick,portable tools for on the-spot inspection.

3.Indentation & Impression Detection

Identifying pressure marks left from writing on overlying sheets can uncover valuable hidden content.

Key Tool:

Electrostatic Detection Apparatus (ESDA):

Detects non-visible indented writing without damaging the original document.

4.Ink & Paper Differentiation Systems

Used primarily to distinguish between different writing materials and detect modifications.

Specialized Instrument

Video Spectral Comparator (VSC)

Analyzes documents under varying light sources to reveal differences in inks and paper types.
Useful for spotting alterations, additions, or erased sections.
While not suited for positive identification, it is excellent for comparative analysis
While not suited for positive identification, it is excellent for comparative analysis.

5.Chemical & Analytical Techniques

Chemical processes assist in identifying the composition of inks, solvents, and paper treatments

Methods Include

Chromatographic Techniques (e.g., TLC)

Separate ink components to compare with reference samples.

Solvent Tests:

Used to dissolve and analyze inks or coatings.

Chemical Reagents:

Aid in detecting bleaching agents, ink age, or tampering.

Extraction Processes:

Remove specific components for further examination.

Fingerprint Bureau

Introduction

Establishment:

The Central Finger Print Bureau (CFPB) was established in 1955 as a national agency to manage fingerprint records and assist law enforcement in interstate criminal investigations.

Purpose:

Acts as the nodal agency for:

Tracking and locating interstate criminals

Standardizing and modernizing fingerprint bureaus

Facilitating coordination among state and national fingerprint agencies.

Need for Computerization:

Initiated to digitize fingerprint records at both state and national levels for effective record maintenance and crime coordination, including interstate and international offenders.

Historical Background:

The world’s first Fingerprint Bureau was set up in Calcutta in 1897. A CFPB was established in Shimla in 1905 but closed in 1922 following recommendations of the Inchcape Committee.

Relocation & Administrative Changes:

Re-established in 1955 under the Intelligence Bureau, Delhi.
Moved to Calcutta (now Kolkata) in 1956.
Came under the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in 1973.
Since July 1986, it has functioned under the administrative control of the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB).

Objectives of CFPB

Keep fingerprint records of convicted persons.
Identify unknown interstate suspects through fingerprint searches.
Maintain and search prints of international criminals via Interpol.
Examine disputed fingerprints on official documents.
Train police and foreign personnel in fingerprint science under international cooperation schemes.
Guide and coordinate State Fingerprint Bureaux.
Hold the All-India Directors’ Conference on fingerprinting.
Conduct annual certification exams for fingerprint experts.

NCRB – National Crime Records Bureau

Overview

Founded: 11 March 1986

Headquarters: New Delhi

Under: Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA)

Role: Central hub for crime & criminal data; links offenders with cases.

Origin: Formed on Task Force & Police Commission’s advice by merging DCPC, CBI’s Inter-State Crime Data Unit & CFPB, and BPR&D Crime Statistics Wing.

Vision & Role

Modernize policing with IT & criminal intelligence.

Strengthen law enforcement and public safety.

Lead in analyzing major and organized crimes.

Core Functions

Build & maintain national crime databases.
Publish all-India crime statistics.
Work as a clearinghousefor crime info (domestic & global).
Provide IT support & modernization to police agencies.
Act as the national fingerprint storehouse.
Train police in IT & forensic fingerprint science.
Assist in tracking interstate & international offenders.

Evolution Timeline

1902 – Standard police forms introduced.
1956 – The Central Fingerprint Bureau was set up.
1964 – CBI launched the interstate crime data unit.
1970 – Push for computerization; ₹100 cr modernization plan.
1972 – Fingerprint digitization recommended.
1976 – DCPC & Study Group on Crime Records.
1977–78 – National Police Commission & Crime Records Committee.
1985 – The Task Force proposed NCRB.
1986 – NCRB officially established.

Divisions

CCTNS :Crime & Criminal Tracking Network

CFPB : Central Fingerprint Bureau

Statistics : Crime data analysis

Training : IT & fingerprint courses

Tech Centre : Data processing & support

CCTNS

Launched: 19 June 2009

Integration: Linked with Inter-operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS)

Goals

Create national & state databases

Enable instant data exchange across states/stations

Aid crime prevention & investigation

Provide citizen services online

Citizen Services

e-Complaints & FIR copies

Track cases/status

Info on criminals, missing persons, stolen property, unidentified bodies

Vehicle & firearm details

Online verification, permits & forms

Crime Data Matching Tools

VahanSamanvay – Stolen vehicles

Talash – Missing/unidentified persons

FICN System – Fake currency

Firearms Coordination – Lost/recovered arms

Portrait Builder – Digital sketches of suspects