A Study on the Medico-legal Aspect of the Deaths due to Hanging in Ajmer Region

Abstract

Present retrospective study was carried out at the mortuary of J.L.N. Medical College, Ajmer from January 2015 to 31st December 2015. A total of 953 dead bodies were received for post-mortem examination during the study period. Out of them 49 cases were of Hanging The incidence rate of hanging is 5.14% (49 out of 953) in the present study with a male: female ratio of 3.9: 1 and 21–30 years age group being most commonly (46.93%) involved population. All 49 cases under the study were suicidal in nature no cases were of Homicidal Hanging. Personal reasons (22(44.89%)) and family problems (10(20.40%)%) were encountered to be the common reasons for committing suicide. Soft material 79.59%) was more commonly used as ligature than the hard one (20.40%). In these cases 47(95.91) were recovered completely hanging from a higher point (complete hanging), whereas only 2(4.08%) were recovered in kneeling down position or with toes or feet touching the ground (partial hanging); In 41 (83.67%) cases the lividity was noticed on back side.14(28.57%) victims (27.5%) presented with ecchymosis along the edges of the ligature mark because of violent movements at the terminal event. Discharge of semen was seen in08 (16.32%) cases whereas discharge of urine/faeces was noticed in 07 (14.28%) cases. La facie sympathetic and defence wounds were noticed in none of the cases under the study. On internal examination all 49 cases (100%) presented with white-glistening subcutaneous tissue and neck muscle no contusion was detected. In present study rupture of the strap muscles, fracture of thyroid cartilage or hyoid bone or tear in the intima of the carotid artery was not detected. The dribbling of saliva is considered as surest sign of ante-mortem hanging was noticed in only 36(73.46%)cases.