Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology

K. Chandru ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Forensic Medicine, Shree Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, Karnataka, IN

Abstract

Electricity has become a dangerous but essential part of our lives. One cannot imagine our daily routine without electricity and so are electrocution related deaths. The present study analyses the pattern of age and sex distribution, seasonal variation, place of occurrence, manner of death and causes of death in fatal electrocution cases. Study was conducted on deaths due to electrocution brought to Victoria hospital mortuary during the period of two years (Nov 2003 to Oct2005). Data will be collected from police inquest and photographic evidence from scene of occurrence. Total number of 61 cases was studied in two-year period. Most of the victims were male, belonging to working age group. 56% of victims died instantaneously due to shock. 34% of victims died due to complications of flash burns sustained. Main reasons for electrocution deaths were found to be human negligence, faulty electrical equipments, connections and lack of protective measures.

Keywords

High Voltage Current, Low Voltage Current, Electric Contact Mark, Flash Burns, Shock, Septicemia, Toxemia

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K. Chandru ¹, Vijay Kumar B. Jatti ², Rajendra Kumar ¹

Affiliations
1 Department of Forensic Medicine, Sri Siddhartha Medical College, Tumkur, IN
2 Department of Forensic Medicine, S S I M S, Davanagere, IN

Abstract

Euthanasia has been an interesting topic for discussion both for medical and legal fraternities. Various articles and comments have been published in this regard. This topic has been the gray zone in the Indian law, which needs to be analyzed. Euthanasia will always be a hot topic of debate among the people regarding whether it has to be legalized or not. Differences in law pertaining to Euthanasia in other countries have given ample opportunity for discussion and suggestions. This article discusses legal situation in various countries and in India, problems which arises on legalizing euthanasia, difficult situations which relatives of terminally ill patients and doctors face. Valuable suggestions can be derived from the article which can be incorporated in legal aspects of euthanasia.

Keywords

Euthanasia, Terminally Ill Patient, Assisted Suicide, Legal Situation, Living Will

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Vijayakumar B. Jatti ¹, Dharmaraya Ingale ¹, K. Chandru ², Chandrashekhar Karpoor ³

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, IN
2 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SMC & RC, Tumkur, IN
3 Dept. of Physiology, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, IN

Abstract

Assessment of time since death is subjected to variable variations because in Biology, variation is a rule and stability is an exception, whereas in Science, stability is a rule and variation is an exception. The time of death estimation plays important role in solving both criminal and civil cases. Many factors contribute to great intra and inter individual variability of gastric emptying. This study is undertaken to collect available literature for reference and to form a common opinion that the doctor can depose safely. During medico-legal autopsy, if the doctor finds distinguishable full meal in the stomach, it would suggest that the victim died within 2 hours after the last meal and 4 hours if it is indistinguishable.

Keywords

Gastric Emptying, Time since Death, Cholecystokinin, Autopsy

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Vijayakumar B. Jatti ¹, K. H. Manjunath ², K. Chandru ³, Dharmaraya Ingale ⁴

Affiliations
1 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, IN
2 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, BMCRI, Bangalore, IN
3 Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SMC & RC, Tumkur, Professor, Dept. of Forensic Medicine, SSIMS & RC, Davangere, IN
4 Deptt. of Forensic Medicine SSIMS & RC, Davangere, IN

Abstract

The present modern day culture still has the ancient evils of civilization. In spite of the increase in educational status of most parts of the country, dowry related harassments and deaths are on the rise with every coming year. The objectives of my study are to find out the incidence, cause and mode of death in the victims dowry harassment, to study their educational and occupational status. The present study was conducted at Dept. of Forensic medicine, Victoria Hospital, Bangalore, on all married women dying within 7 years of married life, booked under section 304(B), 306, 498(A), 302IPC&176CrPC, in cases where inquest was conducted by executive magistrate. From the present study, alleged dowry death cases constitute 4.06%of total autopsies and 11.74% of female autopsies. Most of the dowry deaths occur in Hindu families and burning is the most common mode of dowry death. Most of the victims were of below matriculate, house wives. The menace of dowry harassment and deaths cannot be tackled with legislation alone; it needs socioeconomic and educational reforms.

Keywords

Dowry Death, Bride Burning, Harassment, Autopsy.

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