HEREDITARY TRENDS AND NOVEL MORPHOLOGICAL VARIANTS IN LIP PRINT PATTERNS: A FORENSIC CHEILOSCOPY STUDY IN A SOUTH INDIAN POPULATION

Abstract

This study examines the forensic capabilities of lip prints analysis in both identifying individuals and supporting investigations. Lip prints, though promising, are rarely accepted in court due to limited credibility. Using Afchar Bayat and Kasprzak classifications along with non-parametric chi-square analysis, lip print patterns were examined across three consecutive generations in 30 families (110 individuals). The analysis revealed hereditary trends, with patterns more commonly inherited from parents than grandparents, suggesting a genetic influence on pattern distribution. Novel and undocumented patterns, including “S” shape, inverted pentagon, leaf, alphabetic “E,” and numeric “8,” were also identified, expanding the existing cheiloscopic database. These findings highlight the importance of regional and generational analysis in enhancing lip print-based forensic identification.