Citation

Khalkho SK, Pathak MK. J. Punj. Acad. Forensic Med. Toxicol. 2019; 19(1): 76-83.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2019, Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Publisher R. K. Gorea)

DOI

10.5958/0974-083X.2019.00015.3

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Asphyxia is a condition caused by interference with respiration or due to lack of oxygen in inspired air which causes the organs and tissue being deprived of oxygen causing unconsciousness or death. Hanging is one of the leading manners of suicide. In hanging, there is suspension of the body by a ligature material compressing the neck externally, the constricting force is weight of the body or weight of the head.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The present prospective study was conducted on 86 cases of hanging reported during October 2016 to March 2018. Detailed history from police personnel and eye-witnesses as well as relatives regarding scene of crime, position of body, ligature material used, etc. were taken. Ligature mark was observed meticulously for all parameters.

RESULTS: Total 150 out of 2976 medico-legal deaths were identified to be due to violent asphyxia with incidence rate of 5%. Hanging was the most common method of asphyxial death constituting 57.33 % of cases. Most common age group involved was 21-30 years. Majority of the hanging cases took place at the residence with suicide being the preferred manner of death.

CONCLUSION: This study was done with the objective of assessing data on hanging cases and documenting the characteristics of deaths resulting from hanging. © 2019, Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Suicide; Mechanical asphyxia; Accidental hanging; Violent asphyxial death