Homicide in Sikkim: a 13-year retrospective study

Background and aims: It is mentioned in the Bible that the killing of a human by another human is one of the oldest heinous crimes. Presently, the world is facing a rise in the number of homicidal cases due to rapid industrialization, urbanization, unemployment, life stress and drug addiction. The present study aims at determining the pattern of homicidal deaths in Sikkim. 

Methods: The study is a 13-year retrospective study conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, STNM Hospital, Gangtok, Sikkim. All relevant information regarding the circumstances leading to homicide has been sought out from the investigating officer/magistrate inquest, complete history, treatment records (if the victim was admitted for treatment) and the final autopsy examination reports. Prior permission was obtained from the institutional research board and the ethical committee. 

Result: Out of the total 2573 autopsies done during the study period, 82 cases (3.1%) were of homicide. The male/female ratio was 2.7:1, with the maximum number of victims 31 cases (37.8%) from the age range of 21-30 yrs. Maximum cases 34 (41%) occurred during the rainy season (July-October), with the winter season (Nov to Feb) recording only 25 (3048%) cases. Blunt weapon trauma was seen in a maximum of 45 cases (54.87%), with 29 cases (35.36%) due to sharp weapons. Eight cases (9.75%), with three males and five females, were due to strangulation. Head was the most common anatomical site in 42 cases (51.21%). East Sikkim district reported 44 cases (53.68%), while the most minor cases were reported from North Sikkim district 5 cases (6.09%).

Keywords: Homicide, Blunt trauma, Sharp force trauma, head injury