Lividity Research Articles

Differences in livor mortis in Wistar rats due to organophosphate induction and normal mortality: A randomized experimental study

Background: Pesticide intoxication, a significant global health issue, particularly in developing nations, is often caused by the most toxic pesticides, organophosphates. These substances activate the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems, producing a characteristic livor mortis. It is a secondary sign of death that can be used to estimate the time and cause of death. Objective: This study aims to determine the difference in livor mortis due to organophosphate poisoning and ordinary death (decerebration) using Wistar rats.Methods: From March to April 2023, we conducted an experimental study with a posttest-only control group at the Laboratory of Animal Experiments, Faculty of Medicine, Sebelas Maret University. We used 32 male Wistar rats weighing 150-200 g, divided into control and test groups. The test group received organophosphate diazinon 1.16 ml through a nasogastric tube, while the control group was decerebrated. The data was processed with univariate analysis and an independent t-test.Results: There was a significant difference in the appearance and the persistence time of livor mortis between the control and test groups (p < 0.05). The color of livor mortis in the control group was purplish blue, while in the test group, it was reddish to blackish blue. Most of our samples displayed a distribution of livor mortis in the abdominal and dorsal regions, with a some displaying an abdominal distribution only.Conclusion: Our study reveals significant differences in the appearance and persistence time, as well as the color and distribution of livor mortis between decerebrated and organophosphate-induced dead rats.

Spectrophotometric evaluation of postmortem lividity: a proposal of a model for negroid ethnic race.

The interpretation of tanatochronological data is a fundamental aspect of the medico legal diagnosis, because it allows to trace back the interval of death. Traditionally, the evaluation of the hypostasis plays a relevant role in the interpretation of such information, despite its well-known limits and fallacies. In order to evaluate the degree of hypostatic area discoloration, the methodology currently used is highly subjective and influenced by several variables. The hypostasis pattern in individuals with V-VI phototype is useless because their post-mortem lividity is not estimable due to the color of the skin. This makes much harder to estimate the interval between the death and the detection of the tanatochronological data. This study is aimed at defining a highly accurate procedure to develop an objective method to estimate the hypostasis' degree of fixation with scientific accuracy on people with darker skin. The technology used is spectrophotometry Antera3D: this device is able to analyse the hypostasis by measuring the mean hemoglobin quantitative level in the skin either before and after a standardized compression, thus obtaining a numerical value that is directly related to the time of death. The method here presented allows analysing the hemoglobin amount in the skin of a dead body, without the influence of the melanin pigment in the definition of the hypostatic area color, therefore enabling us to overcome the objective limits of the direct and empiric estimation of the hypostasis decoloration. By creating a standardized method it's possible to reduce the operator-dependent error and to introduce a valid and applicable procedure in order to estimate the post-mortem interval.

Estimation of Time of Death through Observation of Microbiota Changes in the Oral Cavity

Abstract: Various methods for estimating post-mortem (PMI) have been investigated such as rigor mortis, livor mortis, molecular, chemical, and forensic entomology (insect) methods. However, these methods have weaknesses, therefore researchers are looking for more accurate methods in determining the time of death of a person. Molecular methods are unreliable due to the degradation of DNA, RNA, and proteins in corpses over time. In different parts of the body, the amount of diversity of microbes will be different. The oral cavity is the most abundant microbial area among other parts of the body due to its continuous exposure to the respiratory and digestive systems. This area has great potential in estimating time intervals of death because of its ease of access and the types of microbiomes that predominate at any given time. Therefore, this narrative review was conducted to describe studies that used oral microbiota communities to estimate post-mortem intervals. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, Actinobacteria, and Bacteroidetes are the dominant microbial types found in corpses. Firmicutes became one of the dominant bacterial phyla in the early stages of decomposition. Actinobacteria were found to decrease as PMI increased. Studies have shown that the oral microbiome has excellent potential as a parameter to determine the post-mortem interval. However, further research is needed with more complex environmental conditions such as different humidity and temperature. In addition, further research requires more samples of human remains to obtain more valid results. Keywords: oral microbiome; post-mortem interval; human identification; forensic odontology

Estimation of Post-mortem Interval Based on Livor Mortis using a Colorimeter in Thai Populations

OBJECTIVE Livor mortis is a helpful and widely used method of estimating postmortem interval (PMI) in Thailand. This study aimed to investigate the value of a colorimeter as a tool for estimating the PMI. METHODS The color of livor mortis and control skin in 80 cadavers whose PMI was within 12 hours was measured by a colorimeter. The L* (brightness), a*b* (chroma and hue), and ∆E* values were compared to the control skin values. Statistical analysis was performed to determine the relationship between PMI and skin color before and after application of a specific pressure. RESULTS The results showed that colorimetric parameters were only weakly correlated with the PMI. An univariable analysis of ∆E* values was performed and showed good discriminatory power, with an area under the ROC curve of 0.82. The recommended cut-off value of ∆E* was 14 for the discrimination between early PMI (less than 6 hours) and late PMI (6-12 hours), in which the sensitivity and specificity were 72.5% and 80%. CONCLUSIONS The findings in this study reinforce the utility of colorimetric measurements in PMI estimation. With additional study and a larger sample size, the estimation of PMI could be established for general use in forensic practice.

Integrating Temperature Data with Other Forensic Methods for Time Since Death Estimation

To reliably calculate the time since death is most important for investigating officers in all unnatural deathcases. Reliability of the study can be obtained only when potential influencing factors are considered during the calculation of time since death. One of the methods used for calculating the time since death is based on the cooling of the body. Cooling of the body is influenced by various internal as well as external factors. There are various body temperature-based methods in practice (Henssge’s rectal nomogram, Henssge’s brain nomogram, and Baccino’s both interval and global formulae based on ear temperature) to estimate the post-mortem interval (PMI). The rectum has been traditionally used to determine the central core temperature after death, though the external auditory canal has been proposed as an alternative site. According to published research, techniques based on ear temperature are just as trustworthy as those based on rectal temperature for determining the early PMI and may be employed as rapid, easy, and non-invasive procedures on the scene. It is vital to keep in mind that other aspects such as rigor mortis, lividity, and decomposition must also be taken into account to achieve a more accurate estimate, even if calculating the time since death based on the cooling of the corpse might be informative.Aim: The goal of this study is to thoroughly examine some of the available approaches, compare the accuracy of the results, and determine which method is more accurate (reliable) at estimating the time of death.Methods: It was decided to evaluate some of the earlier research’ published works from different publications and databases. A digital database was searched. Picks were made at random from the studies that were thought to be pertinent to the present goal.Result: Therefore, in addition to the body’s cooling rate, other factors like post-mortem lividity, rigor mortis,chemical changes in the body, and mechanical and electrical excitability of the skeletal muscles, are crucial for a more accurate prediction of the time of death.Conclusion: It is usually advisable to take into account additional factors in addition to the algor mortis-based one when determining the time since death so that a more exact and trustworthy time of death can assist the investigating officer in more precisely resolving medico-legal matters.

Prevalence of Gunshot Injuries Seen in Robbery Cases in Karachi and their Characteristic Features

Aim: To determine the prevalence of gunshot injuries seen in robbery cases at different locations in Karachi and their characteristic features. Methodology: This retrospective observational study was conducted from January to December 2022 at the Office of the Police Surgeons in Karachi and comprised 63 gunshot cases. . Information related to the physical and internal examination of the cases was included. Death features like the presence of rigour mortis, post-mortem lividity, and bleeding status were also included. Results: The mean age was 35.30 ± 14.15, and 95.2% were males. Most of the cases were reported in Ittehad Town (20.6%), with 92.1% of participants having blood stains on their clothes. Around 88.9% had an average physique. Almost 84.1% were developing rigour mortis, 61.9% had post-mortem lividity and 87.3% had identifiable features. Exactly 50.8% of cases were not oozing blood from any wound or site. Internal examination was performed in 46% of the cases. Of which, 19% of participants still had the bullet inside their bodies. It was found that 57.1% of participants instantly died after the gunshot, while 34.9% died within a few minutes, respectively. Most of the participants received gunshots on their chests (n=35), and most of the participants received 2 to 4 bullets at a time (n=67). Conclusion: The high prevalence rate of gunshot injuries during robbery in Karachi. Higher authorities should strictly follow up on the increased number of casualties, and law and enforcement policies should be strictly followed to avoid further such cases. Keywords: Prevalence, Gunshot injuries, Robbery, Characteristic features

Impact of Winter Season and Other Contributory Variables on Estimation of Time Since Death using Livor and Rigor Mortis in Varanasi Region

BACKGROUND: A significant question in forensic casework is the estimation of time since death (TSD) in the early post-mortem phase. Muscles undergo a condition of rigor mortis following death, accompanied by post-mortem consumption of adenosine triphosphate. Lividity is a dark purple coloration of the skin induced by blood accumulating in the affected area. Environmental factors play a crucial part in the determination of TSD using different parameters through various methods. AIMS: The purpose of this study is assessment of TSD and effect of contributory variables on existence of rigor mortis and fixation of lividity in cadavers kept at room temperature during winter season in Varanasi region. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: This is a prospective and observational study. MATERIAL AND METHODS: 102 cadavers escorted for medicolegal autopsy at the mortuary of the Department of Forensic Medicine, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi for the duration of consecutive two years in winter season from December 2019 - February 2020 and November 2020 - February 2021. RESULT: All the cases were studied for rigor mortis and found an average post-mortem interval of 18.67 ± 9.43 hrs. Post-mortem lividity was found to be not fixed in 21 (20.59%) cases before 10hrs, while 76 (74.51%) cases of lividity had already been fixed after 10hrs and 5 (4.9%) cases of lividity were found to be not observable. CONCLUSION: Livor and rigor mortis have minimal predictive potential due to the effect of different contributory variables on the development of rigor and fixation of lividity.

Post-mortem interval estimation using miRNAs of road traffic accident cases: A forensic molecular approach

In forensic examination accurate estimation of post-mortem interval (PMI) is a challenging task, particularly in the advanced stages of decomposition. The existing methods (algor mortis, livor mortis, rigor mortis, putrefaction etc) used for estimating PMI rely on analyzing the physical, biochemical, and metabolic changes that occur in the corpse after death. While these methods have shown some level of effectiveness in estimating PMI during the early stages of decomposition, accurate estimation becomes increasingly challenging during the later stages of putrefaction when the body undergoes significant changes. Recently, microRNA (miRNA) profiling due to its relatively small size and stability has emerged as a promising tool in several areas of forensics. This study demonstrates the potential of miRNA for PMI estimation in advanced stages of death. In this study, miRNA-195, miRNA-206, and miRNA-378 were selected as target miRNAs and miRNA-1 as reference miRNA. Left ventricle tissue (5 g) of the heart from 20 forensic autopsies of traffic accident victims (18–32 years) were collected and processed. The samples were held at room temperature for eight different time intervals (12, 24, 48, 72, 96, 120, 168 and 196 h), and RNA was extracted from all the samples using Trizol-based RNA isolation protocol, followed by cDNA synthesis and amplification with commercially available specific miRNA probes in Real-Time PCR (RT-PCR), Ct was calculated. The result showed that miRNAs were associated with PMI. Over time, there were substantial changes in the Ct values of all three miRNAs, with significant reductions observed at 196 h compared to 12 h. miRNA-206 demonstrated significant changes at multiple time intervals, while miRNA-1 remained stable for up to 196 h and thus holds caas an endogenous marker. In conclusion, miRNA has the potential to serve as a valuable tool for estimating PMI, especially during the advanced stages of decomposition, when used in conjunction with established techniques. However, further validation of the study is required to obtain more accurate estimates of PMI.

The Future Is Now: OrganEx Technology and Its Implications for Transplant Medicine.

The Future Is Now: OrganEx Technology and Its Implications for Transplant Medicine.

A method for estimating time since death through analysis of substances deposited on the surface of dental enamel in a body immersed in freshwater

Estimating the elapsed time after death of a corpse immersed in freshwater is often challenging owing to body temperature changes and the degree of postmortem lividity, and the tissues used for this assessment deteriorate drastically as the postmortem period progresses. In this study, assuming a corpse was immersed in freshwater, we analyzed changes in the amount of deposits on the enamel surface of teeth since the time of immersion using an electron probe microanalyzer. We calculated a regression equation for estimating the time of immersion in water (the time after death). We considered this approach would be useful to estimate the time after death even in rotting and skeletonized corpses from which only limited information could be obtained. This study was undertaken according to a previously reported method that used a regression equation for estimating the time after death of bodies found in a seawater area.

An Atypical Disease-Knowledge-Related Suicide by Means of Slashing the Hemodialytic Arteriovenous Fistula

A case of suicide committed by self-cutting the arteriovenous fistula in a patient on hemodialysis is presented. A 77-year-old man was found dead with a blood-stained kitchen knife in the bedroom by his daughter. The man suffered from severe chronic renal failure, for which he needed hemodialysis. Moreover, he was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer relapse. At autopsy, there was a single incised wound on the anterior surface of the left forearm, which showed a regular slash of the skin and the subcutaneous tissues. After the dissection, there was a small-sized lesion affecting the arteriovenous fistula wall. Furthermore, faint postmortem lividity and diffuse visceral pallor were observed. Consequently, the cause of death was identified as an acute hemorrhagic shock after self-cut of the arteriovenous hemodialytic fistula. This case is worthy of several medicolegal considerations: firstly, autopsy examination should always be required in cases with atypical injuries, providing important data to differentiate suicides from homicides. Secondly, disease-knowledge-related suicides are an emerging phenomenon, which deserve careful analysis. Lastly, it is important to identify patients with chronic diseases for whom psychological support is needed, preventing suicidal ideation and reducing suicide risk.

Spectrophotometric analysis of post-mortem lividity: A new objective measure to define time of death

The correct definition of time of death often represents a key to solving judicial cases. One of the methods for determination of the time interval since death is at present the quantitative and qualitative characteristics of hypostases. However, the simple observation of the degree and fixation of hypostases is based on nonobjective parameters, and is therefore characterized by an intrinsic variability that can compromise their reliability. The purpose of the present study was to define an objective and standardizable method that allows estimation of time since death with good approximation. To achieve this, the instrument used was based on spectrophotometry, to analyze only the hemoglobin contribution to skin color, while excluding the role of melanin. This made it possible to analyze a hypostatic area, with a numerical value defined as a measure of the hemoglobin content before and after application of standardized pressure for a defined time interval. The study was conducted on 100 cadavers in various wards. The variables considered in the study were: Hb-pre (mean hemoglobin measure before weight force application); Hb-post (mean hemoglobin measure after weight force application), ΔHb (change in mean hemoglobin measures from before to after weight force application); and red% Hb (percentage reduction in hemoglobin after weight force application, compared to the mean measure of hemoglobin before weight force application). The analysis showed statistically significant correlations between red% Hb in the skin area analyzed and time from death to examination. This provided a mathematical formula to estimate time since death with good reliability ( ± 4 h, 50 min).

Petechial hemorrhages, ethanol, and opioids in victims from intoxication

Petechial hemorrhages are of interest to forensic pathologists because of their association with pressure on the neck. This study shows the associations between ethanol, opioids in blood and the risk of petechiae in conjunctivae and eye lids of 865 medico-legally examined victims from intoxication, 112 (12.9 %) with petechiae. Livor mortis on the front, face down body position, higher body weight, and younger age of the victims were independently associated with higher risk of petechiae. These variables were used for adjustment in the logistic regression analyzes. We found associations between ethanol, opioids, and the risk of petechiae when analyzed simultaneously. The association between ethanol and the risk of petechiae differed in opioid negative and positive victims (interaction, p = 0.028). In the opioid negative group, the association was J-formed, victims with low to medium level ethanol having lower risk (OR = 0.77) than those without ethanol or opioids, whereas high ethanol level gave a 4-fold higher risk (OR = 3.97). In the opioid positive group, the J-formed pattern was reversed. Victims with low to medium level ethanol had more than 4 times higher risk (OR = 4.65), whereas high level ethanol gave a slightly elevated risk (OR = 1.34) only compared to no ethanol or opioids. The results suggest that ethanol and opioids have a complex association with the risk of petechiae independent of livor mortis, initial body position, body weight, and age in victims from intoxication. Of practical value for the post-mortem examination is that the pathologist must consider both the ethanol level and the presence of opioids when judging the significance of petechiae in the eye regions.

Patterned lividity - the 'underwear sign'.

Lividity or livor mortis occurs when blood settles in dependent areas after death due to gravitational effects. Patterned lividity may result from a body lying against a variety of surfaces. Two case are presented where lividity was prevented by tight fitting elastic underwear except in areas where letters from the manufacturers' names had elevated the material, thus permitting capillaries in the underlying skin to fill. This type of patterned lividity may act as a useful record of the type of clothing being worn at the time of death and in the hours following.

Classification of Post-Mortem Changes and Factors Affecting It

An autopsy is not simply the patient's last medical intervention but in addition to determining the cause of death, it also provides information about the deceased patient's underlying health. The natural process of the body's breakdown following death, starting at the cellular level, is known as post-mortem change. Complex cellular and biochemical phenomena are involved in the process. The changes that begin right away after death continue for a considerable amount of time at various rates for various organs. Numerous intrinsic and extrinsic factors have an impact on the beginning and severity of these changes. The purpose of this research is to review the available information about classification of post-mortem changes and factors affecting it. Post-mortem changes are further divided into three classes, Immediate changes, early changes and late changes. After cardiac and respiratory failure, early post-mortem changes including rigor mortis and post-mortem lividity occur. However, tissue metabolism continues for a few hours after death. Supravital reactions, time-dependent post-mortem lividity, and rigor mortis criteria are used to estimate the time since death. Estimating the post-mortem interval or time since death, is one of the main aims of the forensic autopsy, requires an understanding of post-mortem changes. Many exogenous and endogenous factors can lead to degradation. Animal predation, the environment, and mechanical injury are extrinsic causes, whereas autolysis, putrefaction, and decay are endogenous factors. However, despite the importance of post-mortem findings the literature available is very limited more research in future can be a significant contributor.

Estimation of Time Since Death from Rigor Mortis - An Autopsy Study in Tertiary Care Hospital of Malwa Region of Punjab state of India

Background: Postmortem interval estimation is an important tool in forensic medicine. Estimating time since death is extremely important in cases where there is doubt about the period of death. After death, many changes occur in a regular sequence and can be used to arrive at an approximate time since death. When a post-mortem is conducted, doctor conducting the post-mortem examination has to give his opinion about post-mortem interval i.e. the probable time that elapsed between death and post-mortem examination even in cases of decomposed dead bodies. While giving this opinion, we always think we should have some other dependable methods to be more accurate in answering this question. Algor mortis, Rigor mortis, and Livor mortis have been the basis for ascertaining the post-mortem interval collectively. Among them, Rigor Mortis is an important indicator of post-mortem interval. Although it is a dependable tool for estimating post-mortem interval, it is influenced by many endogenous and exogenous factors like nature of death, nature of the body, temperature, humidity etc. Time of death is almost always asked by investigating authorities to connect the crime with criminals. Determining the death time has always been a topic of keen interest amongst forensic pathologists from its inception to date. Many workers in forensic medicine have tried to investigate to determine the time of death based on post mortem findings. To date, it is still an important and fascinating criterion to ascertain the time since death. With this study, we aimed to demonstrate the intricacies of Rigor Mortis with fluctuating temperature and humidity of the local region. We planned to estimate and compare the post-mortem interval based on Rigor Mortis in different body muscles. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at G.G.S. Medical College, Faridkot after taking clearance from the institutional ethics committee. Thirty medico-legal autopsy cases were included in the study where the exact time of death was known and included only hospital deaths. The relatives of the deceased were explained the purpose and nature of the study and provided with the patient information sheet and informed consent was taken. The details of the cases were noted from the hospital bed head ticket, relative interview and the police inquest papers. The exact temperature and humidity were noted at the start of autopsy using a digital hygrometer. Results: A total of 30 cases were observed out of which males outnumbered the females by approximately 3:1. Maximum cases consisted of Roadside Accidents (43.3%) followed by poisoning, assault and hanging, in that order. The average temperatures during the study months varied from a maximum of 41.3°C (June) to a minimum of 33.7°C (July). The average humidity varied from a maximum of 62.6% (July) to a minimum of 29.3% (May). The average temperatures during the study months varied from a maximum of 41.3°C (June) and a minimum of 33.7°C (July). The average humidity during the study months varied from a maximum of 62.6 % (July) and a minimum of 29.3% (May). Fully established Rigor Mortis was observed at a minimum of 10 hours and a maximum of 29 hours in May and June.

Post-mortem peripheral smear: A forensic diagnostic tool?

The current study of post-mortem peripheral smears was conducted in Department of Forensic Medicine, Osmania Medical College with the main objective of studying the seasonal variability of autolysis of cell lines in peripheral circulation. In the study sample of 73 subjects, peripheral smears were made in the morgue immediately after collecting blood by venepuncture. Smears were stained with Leishman stain (A Romanowsky stain) within 2 hours of preparation and light microscope was used to study changes. The changes in cell morphology, membrane integrity, cytoplasmic and nuclear changes were studied in detail using valuable information from previous studies and conclusions were arrived at. At the outset white blood cells are most suitable for TSD predictability among others in peripheral smear because they withstand extraneous variables like refrigeration and show a similar degree of autolytic changes across all seasons. The validity of all such studies on cell lines for TSD was discussed from medico legal perspective. The take home message is all the microscopic changes studied in present study provided no added advantage significantly apart from traditional gross changes like rigor mortis, algor mortis, post-mortem lividity. If properly used on regular basis, algor mortis can enhance the quality of our reporting in India with respect to TSD.

A study of algor mortis in relation to cause and manner of death in hospitalised/non-hospitalised cases in tropical climate of central India

Introduction: To understand the different aspects of average rate of cooling (ARC) in detail, is very important for understanding algor mortis in order to determine time since death in early post-mortem interval, as the classic triad of so-called thanatochronological data is constituted by algor mortis, rigor mortis and livor mortis. This paper is a humble trial to show some light and to detect any relation between average rate cooling of cadaver to cause and manner of death, and hospitalisation in tropical climate of central India. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional study was carried out in department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal. 173 cadavers were selected randomly which were brought for autopsy. After collecting routine data like age, gender, height, weight etc. following data were also collected – ambient room temperature, rectal temperature, cause of death, manner of death, and hospitalisation. Data were analysed using SPSS software. Conclusion: The study found that cause of death, manner of death or hospitalisation has no effect on rate of cooling (p > 0.05). Keywords: Algor mortis, Average rate of cooling, Cause of death, Manner of death, Hospitalised/non-hospitalised, Cadaver.

Heatstroke due to Vehicular Entrapment: An Autopsy Case Report

Heatstroke is defined as severe heat illness with elevated body temperature greater than 40.6?C associated with central nervous system dysfunction. In children, heatstroke as a result of vehicular entrapment is commonly encountered. We report a case of a six-year-old boy who was accidentally left in a school van under scorching hot afternoon for several hours. Upon discovery, he was rushed to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. His body temperature taken at the Emergency Department was 40.3?C. The body felt warm in spite of apparent presence of post mortem changes such as rigor and livor mortis. His clothes were drenched in sweat. A medico-legal autopsy was performed. On general examination, his body was pale and the lips were also parched and pale. Internally, there was subdural haemorrhage and petechial haemorrhages on the lungs and the epicardial surface of the heart. The cause of death was given as heatstroke as a result of vehicular entrapment. We wish to emphasize and appeal to the public that this tragic incident is preventable. Public and private sectors should help creating awareness of dangers in leaving a child unattended in a car

Industrial use of lethal substance and its easy access to artisan makes life insecure: A case of potassium cyanide poisoning

Poisoning is one of the main contributors to the mortality and morbidity in both developed and developing countries. Poisoning is a common method of suicide and one of the common causes of death in developing countries, followed by accidental and in some cases homicidal. Cyanide poisoning is a suicide method that can either kill quickly or with horrific symptoms, depending on how the substance is administered. Industrial use of cyanide includes electroplating, metal processing, and extraction of ores, photographic processes, production of synthetic rubber and manufacture of plastics. A 26 year old male artisan was working in gold manufacturing factory. He had no history of any kind of depression or addiction neither had any chronic disease when he commits suicide by consuming potassium cyanide at working place. At autopsy, bluish pink colour post-mortem lividity noted over back, chest and abdomen with lip and fingernails cyanosis. All visceral organs were severely congested. Stomach mucosa haemorrhagic with erosion seen at places. Histopathological report showed greenish discolouration on cut section of liver and kidney withpulmonary and cerebral oedema present. Chemical analysis report of viscera came positive for potassium cyanide. Present case discusses as to how easy access of lethal industrial substance to person made his life perilous. Keywords: Suicidal poisoning, Potassium cyanide, Gold manufacturing factory.