Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

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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