Low-cost aLternatIve approach to deveLopIng Latent fIngerprInts usIng roasted gram fLour (sattu powder)

Abstract

Despite their presence at crime scenes, latent fingerprints are generally invisible to the human eye. We first ground the gram flour in a grinder after roasting the gram flour on a burner. Using an ostrich hair brush, we applied the powder to various surfaces to develop fingerprints. Due to the powder’s low adherence on non-porous surfaces, it may be applied to a variety of contrasting surfaces and generates diverse effects. We first compared the results of our powder to those of previously published household-based powders, and then we evaluated the powders based on surface properties and other factors, such as treated surfaces, wet surfaces, rough surfaces, and more. Due to its non-toxic nature and low cost, this powder has the potential to be a low-cost and eco-friendly replacement in police practice for visualising latent fingerprints on a larger scale.