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Abstract
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BACKGROUND: Dowry death is a burning problem of the society in India owing to prevailing traditional cultural practices, socioeconomic and psychosocial taboos and life style.
OBJECTIVES: This paper appraises the patterns, socioeconomic and demographic factors of dowry deaths cases due to burns. Materials and Method: The present prospective study comprised of 212 dowry death cases pertaining to burns brought for medico-legal autopsy at tertiary teaching hospital in Telangana, India for 2 years. Data was collected and analyzed in relation to different factors from police inquest report, first information report and autopsy examination proper.
RESULTS: Deaths due to burn (n=212) constituted commonest causative factor for dowry deaths. Majority (n=141; 64.09%) were found to be homicide. Majority (n=63; 29.72%) were recorded in the age group of 23 to 26 years. 91 cases (42.92%) had more than 80% of total body surface area involved in burns. Majority of deaths (n=77; 36.32%) occurred during night (9 pm to 6 am). Husband alone was found to be most common offender (n=71; 33.49%). Majority of the victims were housewives (n=173; 81.61%). Majority of the dowry deaths were drawn from joint family (n=174; 82.08%). Incidence were more in arranged marriages (n=173; 81.60%). First and the foremost location of incidence was in-law's house (n=160; 75.47%).
CONCLUSIONS: This social malicious evil needs to be targeted by a multifaceted and united approach of women welfare organizations, police and judiciary towards enhancement of socioeconomic and educational profile along with provision of strict laws and speedy justice. © 2017, World Informations Syndicate. All rights reserved.
Language: en |