Phenolphthalein in trap cases

1. Submitted By : Nitesh
Submitted To: Nidhi Hooda
Roll.No:1323

2.  A trap is a method of deliberate laying of the
bait and catch the accused person red handed.
 ‘Bribery’ is a term used for any act of giving
gift or money, with dishonest nature for
altering its recipient‘s behavior.
 Section 171 B of Indian Penal Code, 171E-
Punishment for bribery .
 Phenolphthalein powder is used as a proof
that the person has accepted the bribe.

3.  Phenolphthalein is being used in most of the anti-
corruption cases.
 A white, crystalline compound, C20H14O4, used as an
indicator in acid-base titration.
 As an indicator of a solution’s pH, phenolphthalein is
colorless in acidic and attains a pink to deep red hue in
basic solutions.
 Phenolphthalein is slightly soluble in water and usually
is dissolved in alcohols.
 It also serves as a component of universal indicator,
together with methyl red, bromothymol blue,
and thymol blue.

4.  Phenolphthalein can be synthesized by
condensation of phthalic anhydride with two
equivalents of phenol under acidic conditions.
 The reaction can also be catalyzed by a mixture
of zinc chloride and thionyl chloride

5.  A trap can be laid in 3 scenarios. To catch the bribe
taker, to catch the bribe giver, and the cross-trap: to
catch both, the bribe giver and the bribe taker.
 First step is to complaint whenever to set a trap.
 Verification of complaint and complainant takes
place.
 A sub-inspector may have to go with the
complainant as his friend/brother/relative.

6.  The accused must himself demand the bribe in
exchange for discharging his public duties
 Try to negotiate the amount with the accused so
that the demand made by the accused gets
confirmed and the same is recorded on the camera
and the bugging device.
 The complainant should not initiate any mention
of the money by himself.

7.  Sodium carbonate.
 Currency notes smeared with phenolphthalein powder
 Bottle containing distilled/mineral water (2×500 ml.).
 Tea spoon, beakers (2×500 ml.).
 Glass bottles with leak-proof lids (minimum 150 ml.).
 Paper envelopes for keeping currency notes and
marking cloth for sealing exhibits.
 Labels for sticking on bottles, carbon paper, paper,
candle and match box.
 Cotton roll and disposable gloves.
 Equipment for video recording and voice recorder.
 Trap Laying Officer should carry a mobile phone with
him for videography / photography.

8.  Currency notes-their denomination and serial
number are again noted down.
 Hand wash of bribe taker on which
phenolphthalein got transferred.
 Wash of pocket of shirt/pants/coat/other clothes
in which currency notes are kept.
 Wash of table/drawer of table, file or paper on
which notes are kept.
 Videography, voice recorder for recording of
conversation between the accused and the
complainant on the day of the trap and before the
time of trap.

9.  pH Test: the pH of the solution is examined with
the pH paper. More than pH 9 (range 8.3-10) with
pink /red color shows the positive test for the
presence ofphenolphthalein.
 Acid –Alkali Test: On addition of few drops dilute
hydrochloric acid(HCl), pink colour disappears.
Now add few drops of dilute solution of sodium
hydroxide(NaOH) in water, the pink colour reappears.
Appearing and disappearing of pink colour indicates the
positive test for the presence of phenolphthalein.

10.  THIN LAYER CHROMATOGRAPHY
 UV-SPECTROSCOPY
 HIGH PERFORMANCE LIQUID
CHROMATOGRAPHY
 HIGH PERFORMANCE THIN LAYER
LIQUID CHROMATOGRAPHY

11.  Establish the presence or absence of
phenolphthalein and sodium carbonate in the
pink solution
 Presence of phenolphthalein on currency notes
 Presence/absence of phenolphthalein residue
in the pockets of clothes, briefcase, et