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What does it mean to be caught 'pink-handed'?
short by Dharini Mudgal / on Thursday, 28 May, 2026
Phrase "caught pink-handed" comes from anti-corruption raids where officials use phenolphthalein powder on currency notes to trap bribe-takers. When the accused touches the tainted cash and dips their hands in a sodium carbonate solution, the liquid turns bright pink, proving contact with the money. The pink bottles seen during raids are sealed as forensic evidence and later presented in court.
read more at Moneycontrol