Citation

Thangaraj K, Suresh ASS, Gambhir Singh O. J. Ind. Acad. Forensic Med. 2014; 36(3): 322-324.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Indian Academy of Forensic Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

It is true that hanging in its face value goes in favour of being suicide in nature and it is relatively easy for an autopsy surgeon to establish cause and manner of death at autopsy provided there is a clear ligature mark with typical features of asphyxial stigmata. However, difficulty arises when there is an allegation, an unusual ligature mark or associated with other bodily injuries. Moreover, post mortem artefacts or changes of decomposition may pose a great challenge especially at the hands of inexperienced autopsy surgeons. In the present case report, we discuss the importance of thorough and meticulous post mortem examination and crime scene visit which were ignored during the first autopsy done at a Taluk Hospital. Another important aspect of this case report is scientific documentation of persistence of ligature mark (of hanging) in an exhumed cadaver with decomposition.

Language: en

Keywords

Homicide; Suicide; Hanging; Exhumation; Ligature mark; Post-mortem artefact