Journal de recherche médico-légale

Human Hair Analysis among Four Different Castes Having Potential Application in Forensic Investigation

Abstract

Amna Khan, Maryam J, Tahir Yaqub and Nadeem A

Hair is the most frequently found trace evidence in the crime cases. It assists in establishing a triangular relation between a crime scene, a victim and a criminal. Morphology of hair can be helpful in forensic investigations to distinguish hair from one race to another. In this context for the purpose of analysis, cuticle inner margin (distinct or not distinct), cuticle thickness and ovoid bodies (present or absent) were considered. Four different castes (Awan, Butt, Gujjar and Rajput) were selected to analyze the structural similarity and differences from each other. Compound microscope was used for purpose of observation. There was no significant gender based difference among all castes. But significant differences were found among individuals of different castes. The purpose of this study was to develop a data base by analyzing the cuticle thickness, inner cuticle margin and ovoid bodies in human head hair in different races of Pakistan to narrow down forensic analysis in criminal scene investigation.