Citation

Meera T, Singh SB, Singh KP. Int. J. Med. Toxicol. Legal Med. 2017; 20(1-2): 9-11.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, India Medico Legal Society)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

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Abstract

A retrospective study was carried out on the cases of suicide by men in uniform brought for autopsy to our centre during 2005 to 2013. A meticulous analysis of the detailed history, the crime scene findings and the post mortem examination findings was carried out. Altogether 42 men in uniform committed suicide during this period. The highest number of victims belonged to the age group of 20 to 40 years (69.65%) and 71.43% of the cases used firearm as a means for committing suicide. The chest and neck regions were the common sites of election in suicides by firearm i.e. 30% and 26.7%. Denial of leave was the reason for suicide in 28.57% of the cases followed by depression (job related) in 21.43%) of the cases and 16.67% bad previous history of attempted suicide. This paper emphasizes the need for routine assessment of the mental health as well as working conditions of the men in uniform. Besides this, adequate steps should be taken up viz. granting of leave and better working conditions and facilities so that the needs of these men are well taken care of. © 2017, All India Institute of Medical Sciences. All rights reserved.


Language: en