Socio-Demographic study of Victims of Homicide in south Bangalore

Abstract

Homicide is unlawful killing of a person by another with the intention of harm prior to the act. Incidence of Homicide is on the rise worldwide. A prospective study on Homicidal deaths were conducted in the Department of Forensic medicine, Kempegowda Institute of medical sciences, Bangalore from November 2012 to May 2014 for a period of 18months to assess the socio-demographic profile of victims of homicidal deaths, to understand the motive behind the homicidal deaths, to analyse the methods of disposal of the deceased, to know the time of occurrence of homicidal deaths and to study the relationship between the offender and the victim of homicide. A Total of 36 cases of Homicidal deaths occurred during the study period and most of the victims belonged to the age group of 20–29 years, 11cases (30.56%), majority being males, native of Bangalore, married and of middle socioeconomic status 21cases (58.34%). Most of the victims were killed in the street, 15cases(41.66%) and the Homicide occurred between 12am to 6 am 16 cases(44.46%). Most of the offenders being acquaintance 18 cases (50%), the motive wasmainly revenge 10 cases (27.78%).