1Assistant Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences, Koppal, Karnataka
2Professor & Head, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, J.N. Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka
3Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, J.N. Medical College, Belgaum, Karnataka
4Professor & Head, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences, Koppal, Karnataka
5Associate Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Koppal Institute of Medical Sciences, Koppal, Karnataka
Fingerprints have been used for civil as well as criminal cases because of their unique pattern of absolute identity. Criminals often leave their fingerprints at the site of crime, unknowingly, which, though not apparently visible, can be subsequently developed and studied successfully. Personal identification through fingerprints has long been recognized and is regarded as the greatest contribution to the law enforcement. Identification of sex by fingerprint ridge density will be helpful to the investigating officer which would save time in nabbing the suspects. Fingerprints of 200 individuals (100 males and 100 females) belonging to South Indian origin within the age range of 18–65 years were included in the study. Ridge count of fingerprints was calculated for the particular individual and the significance of this value was determined. Our study showed that a fingerprint ridge density of d 15 ridges/25 mm2is more likely to be of that of a male and a fingerprint with ridge density of e 16 ridges/25 mm2will be in favour of a female.(P< 0.001).
Fingerprints, Criminals, Ridge density, Sex determination, South Indian
