Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Hareesh R. S. Kumar ¹, Rashmi Belodu ², K. Raju ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Forensic Medicine, Basaveshwara Medical College, Chitradurga, Karnataka, IN
2 Department of Microbiology, Basaveshwara Medical College, Chitradurga, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Sexual offenses including rape and related offenses are dealt in the Indian law under S. 375 and S. 376 Indian Penal Code. All registered and booked cases require medical examination of both victim and accused as a protocol to gather material evidence. The material evidence collected during the medical examination may be a direct evidence to frame the charges and helps the courts of law for convictions. In majority of the cases, it acts as corroborative evidence in ascertaining the charges of rape. Medical examination is followed by collection of vaginal/cervical/anal and perineal swabs in the women, and urethral/perianal swabs in the men. The swabs are subjected for microscopic examination and culture for detection of sexually transmitted diseases (STD) or venereal diseases (VD). In the present study, a prospective analysis of results of forensic microbiological and diagnostic tests done on the samples collected was done. The samples were taken from both female victims and male assailants.

Keywords

Sexual Offence, Sexually Transmitted Disease, Corroborative Evidence

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Hareesh R. S. Kumar ¹, K. Raju ¹, V. Chandan ¹, Sidramappa Gouda ², Rashmi Belodu ³, S. B. Patil ⁴, B. S. Patil ⁴

Affiliations
1 Dept of Forensic Medicine, Al-Ameen Medical College, Bijapur, IN
2 Dept of Forensic Medicine, Al-Ameen Medical College, Bijapur
3 Dept of Microbiology, Basaveshwara Medical College, Chitradurga, IN
4 Dept of Forensic Medicine, Navodaya Medical College, Raichur, IN

Abstract

Snake bite incidence is high in the rural parts of India, but reliable epidemiological data is scantily available from the rural tropics where snake bites occur most commonly. Information on the number of bites, envenomation, deaths and on the frequency of long term sequel due to snake bites are essential for assessing the magnitude of the problem, planning healthcare and to create awareness of the problem including training of medical staff to treat snakebites. A prospective study was undertaken in Chitradurga to evaluate the demographics and seriousness of the problem. Patients admitted to department of medicine for management of snake bites were studied. Age pattern, snake bite as an occupation risk, and bite site analysis were done along with study of commonly presenting clinical features. The importance of early presentation, institution of first aid and manifestation of systemic complications were critically analyzed.

Keywords

Snake Bite Envenomation, Systemic Complications, Time Interval, Site of Bite

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K. Raju ¹, Hareesh R. S. Kumar ¹, Chandan ¹, Sidramappa Gouda ¹

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Basaveshwara Medical College & Hospital, Chitradurga District, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Chitradurga District, the fort city is one of the prominent historical places in Central Karnataka of India. With an area of 8440 square kilometers and a population of 151 thousand across 1059 villages, the district is dependent mainly on agricultural economy. Majority of farmers are dependent on rainwater harvesting for agriculture, and failure of monsoon will in turn spike the poverty and death rates by suicide as a result of inability to pay up loans. Death by means of hanging forms the 3rd common cause of unnatural death after head injury and poisoning. Suicide by means of hanging forms the 2nd common cause of unnatural death after poisoning. In this retrospective observational study conducted during January 2009 to December 2010, a total number of 96 cases of hanging were reported. Males (71.87%) were predominantly affected than females (28.12%) with male to female ratio being 2.5:1. Majority (46.87%) of the victims was in the age group of 21 - 30 yrs and belonged to lower socio economic status. Most of the victims were from the rural area and the financial problem was identified as the main reason for suicide (62%). Out of 96 cases, homicidal allegations were made in four cases.

Keywords

Hanging, Ligature Material, Hyoid Bone, Socio Economic Status, Cause of Death

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