Year : 2011, Volume : 11, Issue : 1
First page : ( 42) Last page : ( 43)
Print ISSN : 0972-5687. Online ISSN : 0974-083X. Published online : 2011 June 1.

Fatal Accidental Smothering: A Case Report

GambhirSingh O Dr.^1,*, Chedup Lepcha Dr.², Sarma PC Dr.³

¹Asst. Professor, Forensic Medicine Department, M.A.P.I.M.S., Melmaruvathur, Tamil Nadu – 603319

²Tutor, S.M.I.M.S.5^THMile, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim-737102

³Prof. & H.O.D., S.M.I.M.S., 5^THMile, Tadong, Gangtok, Sikkim-737102

*Email: drgambhirsingh@yahoo.com

Received:  9  January,  2011; Revised:  25  January,  2011; Accepted:  19  February,  2010; :  25  March,  2011.

Abstract

The present case report examines death of an adult of about 26 years due to accidental smothering. Dead body showed very few minor injuries and some signs of asphyxia. Post mortem examination ruled out presence of preexisting medical problems and possibility of poisoning. Though there was some suspicion in the beginning the matter was settled after seeing the scene of death and thorough analysis of the circumstances surrounding the death. The case discusses the crucial role of careful and intelligent analysis of history and visit of scene of crime in the assessment of such cases.

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Keywords

Accidental Smothering, scene of crime, suicide, homicide.

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