Forensic Application of Cheiloscopy for Gender Identification: A study of lip patterns in himalayan population.

• Debanjali Sarkar,  
• Bhawna Sharma*

Abstract

Aim and Objective: This study aims to evaluate lip print analysis as a tool for gender determination and to explore the correlation between distinct lip print patterns and gender in the Shimla population. Introduction: Cheiloscopy, the study of lip prints, is a promising forensic tool for personal identification and gender determination, similar to fingerprints and dental records. Lip prints, being unique and permanent, are valuable in forensic science, especially for gender identification at crime scenes. Materials and Methods: A total of 120 samples (60 males, 60 females) were randomly collected from District Shimla, aged 20-30 years, to minimize age-related variations. Lip prints were collected using a standardized lipstick application technique and classified according to Tsuchihashi’s classification. The sample size was determined through power analysis to ensure statistical adequacy. Results: Significant gender-based differences were found in lip print patterns. Type I and Type I’ were more common in females (42%), while Type III and Type IV were more frequent in males (37%). Type II and Type V showed even distribution across genders. Statistical analysis confirmed a significant correlation between Type I’ and females (χ² = 16.00, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Lip prints are a reliable tool for gender determination, with specific patterns like Type I’ correlating strongly with gender. Further studies with larger, more diverse samples are needed to enhance the accuracy and forensic applicability of lip print analysis.

Keywords

Keywords: Cheiloscopy, Gender identification, Forensic Science, Tsuchihashi’s classification