Assessment and comparison of fingerprints between Kerala and Manipuri populations of India: A forensic study

Abstract

Background and Objective: The study of the epidermal ridges and the patterns formed by them is known as dermatoglyphics, a word coined by the anatomist Harold Cummins of Tulane University. The potential of fingerprints to determine sex and individual identification has been well exhibited and documented. However, few studies have been conducted using fingerprints for population identification. The objective of this study was to determine predominant fingerprint patterns in males and females in relation to Kerala and Manipuri population and also to compare the fingerprint patterns between these populations. Materials and Methods: The study sample consisted of 200 subjects, which included 100 Kerala and 100 Manipuri populations in the age group of 18-21 years. Each subject was asked to press their fingertip on the stamp pad and then to the plain chart paper to transfer the fingerprint impression. All the individuals’ fingerprints were identified and classified into loops, whorls, and arches. The data were statistically analyzed using the Z-test. Results: Loops were found to be the most common fingerprint pattern among the entire study subjects. Manipuri population showed the highest frequency of loops and arches, whereas Kerala population showed more whorls. Further in our study, comparison of all fingerprint patterns between Kerala and Manipuri population revealed a significant difference for whorls and arches. Conclusion: Difference in the fingerprint patterns between Kerala and Manipuri population exists for whorls and arches. This variation in fingerprints patterns between two populations suggests further study in associating persons to groups in more number of populations.