DOES BLOOD GROUP IDENTIFY LIP PRINTS?

Introduction: The lip prints are the lines and fissures which are present in the transition zone of the human lips between the mucosa and skin. They are considered permanent and unchangeable after the death of the individual and are unique except in the cases of monozygotic twins. It is acceptable as the evidence that can be left at the crime scene by the culprit and this evidence helps in the identification of an individual. The blood group of the person is considered as another unchangeable biological record which can be obtained from crime scene to get help in identifying an individual. Aims and objectives: In this study, it has been tried to perform a correlation between the blood groups and lip prints which can serve as an aid in forensic identification. Methodology: For this study, the lip prints were taken from 100 individuals by traditional lipstick paper method and 1ml of blood is withdrawn for determining the ABO blood groups for correlating lip print pattern with blood groups as per the classification system of Suzuki and Tsuchihashi. Result: There was no correlation found between the lip prints and blood groups. Conclusion: However, no correlation exists between the two samples but they are useful in forensic identification due to their unique character.