Citation

Das P, Singh A, Harish D. J. Punj. Acad. Forensic Med. Toxicol. 2021; 21(1): 29-33.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2021, Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Publisher R. K. Gorea)

DOI

10.5958/0974-083X.2021.00005.4

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to analyze hanging deaths occurring in Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh in relation to several factors associated with such deaths.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was performed on 50 cases of hanging deaths brought for an autopsy to the mortuary of Government Medical College, Chandigarh. Factors associated with these deaths and post-mortem findings were recorded and statistically analyzed.

RESULTS: It was observed that the most vulnerable age group was 20 - 29 years. Among all the victims, 54% were married; 70% of the victims were from urban area. In 30% cases motive of hanging was not known. 92% of suicides by hanging occurred indoors and most of the incidence occurred at evening time, in 56% cases. Complete hanging was found in 68% cases and partial hanging in 32% cases. The commonly used ligature materials were means which were easily available to the victim viz. dupatta, nylon rope, saree etc. and in 68% cases ligature mark were above the level of thyroid cartilage. Fracture of Hyoid bone was found in 6% cases.

CONCLUSION: The findings of the present study will help in highlighting the prevailing scenario of hanging deaths in this region. © 2021, Punjab Academy of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Hanging; Hyoid bone; Complete hanging; Ligature material; Ligature mark