Citation

Chaudhary B, Pradeep Y, Mukesh K, Rahul B. J. Ind. Acad. Forensic Med. 2013; 35(2): 123-126.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2013, Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine)

DOI

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PMID

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Abstract

Burn is a major cause of death in all medico-legal cases. Developing countries have a high incidence of burn injuries, creating a formidable public health problem. Our objective of the present study is to measure the magnitude and epidemiology of death due to burns in Central Delhi. A 5 years (from 1st January 2006 to 31st December 2010) autopsies based retrospective study where total 2773 medico-legal autopsies were conducted during this period, out of those 207 (7.46%) were due to burn; 117(56.52%) were males and 90 (43.47%) were females. Maximum 88 (42.51%) of the cases were in the 21-30 years of age group in both gender. The most common manner of the burn was accidental (72.94%), followed by suicidal (17.39%) and homicidal (9.66%). Almost all male deaths were accidental in nature. Smell of kerosene was present in 35 (38.88%) of females bodies. The cause of deaths in 97 (46.85%) was shock followed by 110 (53.14%) septicaemia. The history regarding whether they were killed or ablaze herself was not clear by history records but findings were suggestive of killing of bride in demand of dowry could not be ruled out.

Language: en

Keywords

Homicide; Suicide; Autopsy; Burn; Accidental; Shock