It Can Glow! The Truth About Gunshot Residue You didn’t Know

In India, detecting gunshot residue (GSR) has been an issue in Indian investigators encountering the problems with conventional methods during many years. Traditional methods are time-consuming, costly, and they do not capture important evidence- not to mention when a suspect washes his/her hands or switches clothes. This is where a new chemical reagent is going to prove of great use. This reagent reacts with the smallest amounts of lead in shooting residue, which reacts on a suspect's hands or clothes when sprayed. Magic occurs when a UV lamp is used: even the slightest amount of lead will show up a vivid green and all such evidence would have remained invisible.

The Reason Why India Requires This Now

The cities of India are experiencing an increase in gun-based crimes. The National Crime Records Bureau shows that gun crimes have increased by almost 15 per cent in 10 years. The difference between acquittal and conviction in many instances really depends on forensic evidence. Indian police might finally have the results at the time they take them with this new technology One instant and the police get the results without having to wait days to get results in the lab and losing evidence.

What is the Specialty of this Breakthrough?

• The new test is capable of revealing the presence of lead residue despite attempts by suspects to clean it using water, unlike older tests.
• In recent trials, even bystanders as far as two meters away from a shooter can carry traces detectable. This would assist detectives in providing the correct details as to who was in the scene.
• This glowing technology can also be helpful to detect the presence of deadly lead in water and soil which is a major health problem in few Indian states.

How Does This Work? 

• Spray Reagent: The special spray is applied on hands, clothing or surfaces by the investigators.
• Put UV light on: Spots of any lead shine in green (no microscope is required).
• Immediate Results: Signs of evidence are noticeable in minutes, at the scene. 

Since there are now more than 50 Indian universities that teach forensic science, this innovation is likely to find its way in the curriculum. Indian startups also see a massive potential of developing and providing these kits locally at affordable prices to the police departments of the country.

It is not only a new tool, it is a step forward to justice in India. This glowing gunshot test is also faster, reliable and easy to operate, helping in crime solving, protection of innocent people and even in cleaning up our environment.

With the coming of forensic science to the street, Indian organisers, students and innovators have the opportunity to be at the head of the pack. And the next time a crime scene looks like it is radiant with light it may well be the light of justice!