A Study of Ligature Mark in Deaths due to Hanging in Warangal Area, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract

Background Death due to hanging is one of the most common forms of suicide in most parts of the world. It is the commonest method of suicide in India, Canada, second most common method in USA and most common method of suicide in men in UK. The incidence of suicide in all metropolitan cities in India is on the rise. Their magnitude is also quite significant among the total number of deaths. Aims & Objectives To evaluate the types of hanging, the pattern of ligature mark and the type of material used as ligature in relation to the ligature mark. Material and Method The study is done on dead bodies that were subjected to post-mortem examination. The study included 100 cases out of 108 cases selected from both the sexes for statistics. Result The total of hanging deaths is 6.9%. The male to female ratio is 2:1 remains unaltered from previous studies. Age group is 21 years to 40 years rural area 54% outnumbered the sub-urban 24% and urban area 22%. Low socio economic status 65% ranged over middle class 25% and higher income 10%. Typical hanging is seen in 22 cases and atypical hanging in 88 cases. Partial hanging is seen in 68 deaths where as complete hanging is seen in 32 deaths. The ratio of male to female 2:1. Ligaturemark impression prominent in 94 percent deaths. In 6 cases ligature mark was faint. CONCLUSION Suicidal atypical hanging deaths are common. Ligature mark is prominently seen and Ligature Material was whatever available in the surroundings- rope, electric wires, loop of trousers, nawar patti, neck threads bed sheets, dupatta, sari etc. Language: en