Citation

Sheikh MI, Agarwal SS. Torture 2004; 14(1): 35-37.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2004, International Rehabilitation Council for Torture Victims)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Hanging is an asphyxial death caused by a ligature around the neck and the suspension of the body, either partially or completely. It is one of the most common causes of death in cases of suicide. It always causes suspicion among relatives and the investigating officers, as well as - at times - on the part of the autopsy surgeon. Controversy arises in those cases in which the noose is too tight, has too many turns or uses an atypical slipknot. Controversy also arises with regard to complete ligature marks, when the hanging is not possible from a sitting or kneeling position, or when there is no dribbling of saliva from the corner of the mouth, especially when there is suspicion of postmortem hanging.


At times, it can be very difficult to determine whether the death was suicidal, homicidal or accidental in nature. The latter can often be differentiated on the basis of evidence at the scene of the crime, but problems arise in cases of suicidal/homicidal hanging, and in differentiating between antemortem and postmortem hanging.
Two cases of suicidal deaths are presented in this article, one in a central jail and another in a police station lock-up room.

Language: en