Citation

Rastogi P, Kochar S. Med. Legal Update 2010; 10(2): 99-101.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2010, R.K. Sharma and Institute of Medico-Legal Publications)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

In today's scenario, complex process of modernization, industrialization and urbanization has brought increase in occupational mobility, high ambition and desire for high standard of living that is leading to high incidence of suicidal deaths. Suicidal attempts in adults are on the rise in recent time. Nowadays suicidal gesture, attempted suicide & well successful suicide cases are seen every now and then in the society. A prospective cum retrospective study is carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College & Hospital, Sitapura, Jaipur w.e.f. 2002-Nov 2007. In this period out of total 637 autopsies, 228 were found as suicidal deaths. In these 228 cases, 88 cases ended their life by consuming poison, rest of them in the decreasing order are as follows - Train Runover (55), Hanging (43), Drowning (22), Alcohol (11), Burn (4), Celphos Poisoning (3), Insecticides Poisoning (1), Vegetable Irritant Poisoning - Akda (1). This clearly indicates that availability of highly lethal suicidal method and rate of suicide are interrelated. During the study we have found three new innovative methods of committing suicide. All three victims were pursuing their professional qualification in medical and engineering. These three cases will be specifically presented. The unnatural death is one of the indicators of social and mental health. Responsibility for prevention of violence in our society does not rest only on the law enforcing personnel but also on public health and other human service agencies, that should assist in preventing primary violence to reduce other major causes of morbidity and mortality.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Hanging; Poisoning; Burn