Medicolegal study of mechanical injuries in culpable homicides (excluding deaths due to rash and negligent act).

ABSTRACT

Trend of homicides by different means keeps on changing with the passage of time and development in different parts of the world. A study was conducted on 200 alleged cases of homicides (excluding deaths due to rash and negligent act). Different profiles from demographic and medicolegal aspects were evaluated. The incidence of homicidal deaths was observed as 12.03%, with male preponderant (82.5%) and the commonest age affected was 21 to 40 yrs (51.5%). Rural population was mainly affected. The blunt weapon (50.88%) was commonly used to inflict the injuries and 'abrasion' was the commonest manifestation (32.73%). The defence wounds were present in 36% cases. Head was the main seat of injury (13.65%). The cause of death in most cases was hemorrhage and shock (31.5%), followed by injury to brain (28.5%). Only 16% cases of these received hospital care. This necessitates the prompt medical care to be provided in the 'Golden Hour' to save valuable human life. Police patrolling for early detection of crime and shifting of injured to hospital/critical care center and provision of prompt ambulance service by state/ private hospital/ NGO's for medical care.