Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

Praveen Athani ¹, S. Harish ², B. S. Hugar ³, Y. P. Girish Chandra ²

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MVJ Medical College, Bangalore, IN
2 Department of Forensic Medicine MSRMC Bangalore, IN
3 Department of Forensic Medicine MSRMC Bangalore, IN

Abstract

The present prospective study was conducted amongst children aged between 1-18 years, at M S Ramaiah Medical College Bangalore, from Oct 2007 to May 2009 to know the percentage of suicidal deaths in children, age and sex distribution, various patterns, and other factors associated with suicidal deaths. Suicidal deaths in children constitute 2.7 % of the total autopsies conducted and 10.4% of total suicidal deaths. Maximum number of suicidal deaths occurred in the age group of 15-18 years in both sexes constituting 54 % of total cases. Females outnumbered the males. Majority of the children were school going. 8.33% of the children were employed. Hanging was the most common method (82.05%). The academic failure (41.02%) was the main reason for committing suicide. Previous suicidal attempt was seen in 7.69% of the cases. Majority of the children committed suicide at home(95%).

Keywords

Suicidal Deaths, Children, Pattern, Hanging

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Santosh Sheelavant ¹, Y. P. Girish Chandra ², S. Harish ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Forensic Medicine, S N Medical College, Bagalkot
2 Dept of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, MSR Nagar, MSRIT PO, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

This study was done to compare the estimated age from physiological changes in teeth (Gustafson method) with the actual age of deceased person and to note the difference between them and also to know the influence of various exogenous and endogenous factors on them. In 40 cases where the proof of age is available, first maxillary premolars were studied for 6 factors- attrition, periodontal disease, secondary dentine deposition, cementum apposition, ischolar_main resorption. Each factor was allotted a score of 0- 3 depending upon degree of changes in the tooth. Age calculated by deriving the regression formula for the total score. Mean calculated age when all the physiological factors taken together had a deviation of about ±2.86 years. Physiological factors had no significant correlation with the sex and diet of the individual. When a single factor is used for age estimation ischolar_main translucency gave the least deviation, i.e. ±5.17 years.

Keywords

Dental Age Estimation, Gustafson's Criteria, Forensic Odontology

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K. C. Shreedhara ¹, Y. P. Girish Chandra ², S. Harish ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Forensic Medicine, Adichunchangiri Institute of Medical Sciences
2 Department of Forensic Medicine, M. S. Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

Study of distribution of deaths in various occupational settings was conducted at M.S. Ramaiah Medical College Hospital, Bangalore during October 2006 to January 2008. Total numbers of 52 cases were studied. Detailed information regarding the deceased and circumstances of death was collected from the police and relatives by a questionnaire. Complete autopsy of the body was carried out in each case. Majority of the deaths occurred among construction workers Pre existing medical conditions were the precipitating factors in few cases. In few cases presence of alcohol was confirmed by Forensic Science Laboratory. Vast majority of deaths occurred at work site. The maximum numbers of deaths at work place were from lower socio-economic status followed by middle socio-economic status. The major deaths occurred among private employees. The highest incidence of deaths at work place is more among permanent workers.

Keywords

Occupation, Work Place, Death, Autopsy, Precipitating Factors

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S. Harish ¹, Basappa S. Hugar ¹, Pradeep K. Saralaya ¹, T. C. Siddaramanna ¹

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

Deaths due to electrocution constitute an important part of unnatural deaths even though uncommon but most of them are preventable since almost all are accidental deaths. This 10 year study from January 2000- December 2009 at department of Forensic Medicine, M.S. Ramaiah Medical College revealed that a total of 76 cases of electrocution were identified in 10 years averaging 7.6 cases per year and constituting 1.05% of autopsies conducted. The highest incidence was seen in 20-29 yrs age group (44.7%). Males constituted 83% of cases. Construction workers accounted for 32.9% of cases and 28% of individuals were engaged in domestic activities. Maximum number of cases occurred in the afternoon (63.2%). In 32 cases there was a single electric contact wound and the most common site was the hand (49cases). Exit wounds were noted in 10 cases (13.2%) and foot was the commonest site (8cases). In eleven (14.5%) cases the deceased had sustained other associated fatal injuries.

Keywords

Electrocution, Contact Mark, Exit Wound

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Basappa S. Hugar ¹, Y. P. Girish Chandra ², S. Harish ³

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, IN
2 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MSRMC, Bangalore, IN
3 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, MSRMC, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

Killing of an individual is the highest level of aggression found in all cultures. Incidence of Homicide is on the rise worldwide mainly due to effects of population explosion, changing life style, aggressive nature and insatiable desire of human being to conquer the world. This prospective study from Oct 2005 to Sep 2007 was done in the Dept of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, revealed that homicidal deaths accounted for 4.32% of autopsies, victims in the age group 20-39 years constituted 61.6% and males 71.75% of cases.80.75% were Hindus, 56.25% were married. Majority of them belonged to middle (49.25%) and lower (38.5%) socioeconomic status, 22.75% of them hailed from outside the city, about quarter of victims (26.25%) had consumed alcohol at the time of crime and homicide by means of injuries was the commonest method involved (75.5%).

Keywords

Victim, Profile, Homicide, Homicide–Suicide.

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Santosh S. Sheelavant ¹, Y. P. Girish Chandra ², S. Harish ²

Affiliations
1 S Nijalingappa Medical College, Bagalkot, Karnataka, IN
2 Dept of Forensic Medicine, MS Ramaiah Medical College, MSR Nagar, MSRIT PO, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

This study was done to compare the estimated age from physiological changes in teeth (Gustafson method) with the actual age of deceased person and to note the difference between them and also to know the influence of various exogenous and endogenous factors on them. In 40 cases where the proof of age is available, first maxillary premolars were studied for 6 factors- attrition, periodontal disease, secondary dentine deposition, cementum apposition, ischolar_main resorption. Each factor was allotted a score of 0- 3 depending upon degree of changes in the tooth. Age calculated by deriving the regression formula for the total score. Mean calculated age when all the physiological factors taken together had a deviation of about ±2.86 years. Physiological factors had no significant correlation with the sex and diet of the individual. When a single factor is used for age estimation ischolar_main translucency gave the least deviation, i.e. ±5.17 years.

Keywords

Dental Age Estimation, Gustafson's Criteria, Forensic Odontology

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Vasudeva Murthy Challakere Ramaswamy ¹, S. Harish ², Y. P. Girish Chandra ²

Affiliations
1 Department of Pathology, International Medical University, 126 Jalan 19/155b, 57000 Kuala Lumpur, IN
2 Department of Forensic Medicine, M.S.Ramaiah Medical College, Bangalore, IN

Abstract

Deaths due to fall from height, form an important area of study due to diversity of the injuries sustained, complexity of the patterns involved and various phenomenon's associated there with. The medico-legal autopsy aims at deciding whether the death was attributed purely to the height. It also helps in ruling out the various contributing factors like drugs, alcohol and co-existing natural disease. The study of pattern of external and internal injury may together indicate the primary site of impact and height from which the fall has occurred. The determination of actual or probable anatomical site of primary impact may be useful in reconstruction of the events, which led to fatal falls. Presence of multiple blunt force injuries makes it hard to differentiate between falls induced injuries and those that have been inflicted before the fall and often disagreement predominates regarding the height at which death results. Thus a careful study of total injury pattern is of vital importance in every case. In the difficult scenario of assessing the manner of death, meticulous autopsy in combination with visit to the scene of occurrence that includes observation of ground nature and presence of any intervening object is of extreme help.

Keywords

Fall from Height, Site of Impact and Pattern of Injuries

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