A study on the pattern of injuries in homicidal deaths at MBS hospital associated with Government Medical College Kota, Rajasthan

Background and aims: Violence is a significant health problem, and culpable homicide is the severest form of violence and prevalent worldwide. There are several motives for committing a culpable homicide. The numbers of culpable homicide are increasing day by day due to rapid urbanisation, increase life stress, unemployment and drug addiction. The present study aims at determining the pattern of injuries in homicidal death in the Kota region. Materials and methods: The present study was conducted in the department of forensic medicine and toxicology at MBS hospital Kota for a period from Jan 2017 to Dec 2018. Homicidal deaths due to mechanical injuries were included in the study. Detail information regarding crime circumstances was sought out from police/magistrate inquest, complete history, treatment record and post mortem examination. Prior permission from the research review board and the ethical committee was obtained. Results: In the present study, 67 cases of homicide were studied. Head and face were observed as the most common body part targeted in 32(47.8%) deaths. Chest and the abdominal region was the preferable site for sharp injuries for 21 cases, followed by four subjects’ neck. More than half, in 45 cases (67%), death occurred within 6 hours of the attack, out of which 32 deaths resulted from injuries inflicted over the neck and thoracoabdominal region with dangerous weapons and means. Conclusion: Patterns of injuries in homicidal death may be a helpful indicator, and law enforcement agencies and autopsy pathologist should do a detailed examination of injuries/wounds.