Digital dermatoglyphics: A study on Muslim population from India

Abstract

The distribution of fingerprint patterns has been found to be varying amongst the different population groups across the globe. Hence, this knowledge becomes crucially important in forensic investigations. The present study was conducted on 480 healthy and consenting Muslim individuals (240 males and 240 females) from Maharashtra State in India. The aims were to determine the frequency distribution of various fingerprint patterns; establish the most and least predominant patterns; and to find out whether any statistically significant gender differences exist. Rolled finger impressions taken in duplicate on fingerprint identification slips were analysed twice by both the authors independently (so as to eliminate any error in the classification due to inter-observer and intra-observer variations). The distribution of patterns was found to be in the following order: ulnar loop (max) > spiral whorl > twinned loop > central pocket loop > concentric whorl > tented arch > plain arch > radial loop > lateral pocket > accidental (min). Applying the t-test to the obtained results, gender differences were found to be statistically insignificant (p > 0.05). Various dermatoglyphic indices (Pattern Intensity Index, Dankmeijer’s Index and Furuhata’s Index) were calculated and compared to the available data in various other ethnic groups and populations. A new ‘Combined Pattern Index’, is proposed.