Fatal crocodile attack.

Attacks on human beings by various animals leading to varied types of injuries and even death in some cases are not uncommon. Crocodile attacks on humans have been reported from a number of countries across the globe. Deaths in such attacks are mostly due to mechanical injuries or drowning. Bites by the crocodiles often cause the limbs to be separated from the body. The present case refers to an incident of a fatal attack by a crocodile on a 35 years old female where only the mutilated head of the female was recovered. Multiple lacerated wounds over the face and scalp along with fracture of the cranial bones was detected on autopsy. Two distinct bite marks in the form of punched in holes were noted over the parietal and frontal bones. Injuries on the head with its traumatic amputation from the body were sufficient to cause death. However, the presence of other fatal injuries on the unrecovered body parts could not be ruled out.

Identification from dorsal finger pattern: a new approach.

The dorsal aspect of the hand has been little studied for the purpose of identification and hence the present study was undertaken to explore the feasibility of considering the skin creases on the dorsal aspect of the proximal inter-phalangeal joints (dorsal finger pattern) as a criteria for personal identification. The study included 257 native Bengali subjects, 140 males and 117 females from the city of Kolkata. The dorsal aspects of the fingers of both hands were photographed by a digital camera and the images were analysed on a computer using Microsoft Photoeditor. The skin creases over the proximal inter-phalangeal joints were studied in three segments - proximal, middle and distal. Thus a total of 257 × 10 × 3 = 7710 segments were studied to determine the dorsal finger patterns. Five basic types of stems were noted - horizontal, vertical, oblique, semi-lunar and mixed. Among these the horizontal stem was the most common at 90.49%. Branching was of two types - body branching and terminal branching. Body branching was more common than the terminal type. Semi-lunar stem was the rarest type of stem comprising less than 1%. Accuracy of the technique for confirmation of identity was found to be 91.9%.

A profile of fatal snake bite cases in the Bankura district of West Bengal.

Deaths due to snake envenomation are considered as a public health problem in rural India. The scenario is no different in Bankura district of West Bengal. 86 cases of deaths due to snake bites were recorded during a three year period from January 2006 to December 2008. Nearly 60% of the victims were in the age group of 21-40 years and males comprised 60.47% of the cases. Majority of the incidences occurred during the monsoons and during day time. The present study also highlights the sociological impact and suggests certain preventive measures to reduce snake bite mortality.

Why a "dental surgeon" for identification in forensic science?

Dentistry has much to offer law enforcement in the detection and solution of crime or in civil proceedings. Forensic dental fieldwork requires an interdisciplinary knowledge of dental science and forensic science. Most often the role of the forensic odontologist is to establish a person's identity. Teeth, with their physiologic variations, pathoses and effects of therapy, record information that remains throughout life and beyond. The teeth may also be used as weapons and, under certain circumstances, may leave information about the identity of the culprit. Forensic odontology has an important role in the recognition of abuse among persons of all ages. Dental professionals have a major role to play in keeping accurate dental records and providing all necessary information so that legal authorities may recognise malpractice, negligence, fraud or abuse, and identify unknown human. Forensic odontology involves the management, examination, evaluation and presentation of dental evidence in criminal or civil proceedings, all in the interest of justice. The forensic odontologist assists legal authorities by examining dental evidence in different situations.

Fatal transorbital head injury by bicycle brake handle.

Accidental transorbital head injuries are quite rare. Penetrating head injuries by blunt objects are possible when the site of penetration is through the orbit or the thin temporal bone. The present case is a rare case of transorbital penetrating head injury by a blunt object - bicycle brake handle. Minor external wounds may be misleading and fatal consequences may ensue if cerebral damage is missed on diagnosis. Proper antibiotic coverage to prevent meningitis and neurosurgical intervention can reduce mortality in such cases.