Study of Knot and Profile of Ligature Materials used in Asphyxial Deaths caused by Hanging in Kanpur; a Metropoliton City of India Arya Alok1, Kumar Alok2,*, Awasthi Puneet3, Sachan Rahul4, Osawa Motoki5, Verma Archana6 1Assistant Professor, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow (U.P.), India 2Professor & Head, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah. (U.P.), India 3Assistant Professor, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, GSVM Medical College Kanpur (U.P.), India 4Lecturer, Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, GSVM Medical College Kanpur (U.P.), India 5Prof. & Head (Forensic Medicine). Tokai University School of Medicine Kanagawa, Japan 6Professor, Department of Neurology, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah (U.P.), India *Corresponding author: Dr. Alok Kumar, Professor & Head (Forensic Medicine & Toxicology). Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah.-206130 (U.P.), India. Contact: Tel. +91-9456995036; Fax +91-5688-276580; Email- drsalok@rediffmail.com
Online published on 5 May, 2018. Abstract Background Hanging is caused by suspension of the body by a ligature encircling the neck. The person may use any article readily available for this purpose, like a rope, saree, belt, bed sheet etc. Most times, Ligature mark and material may be the only evidence available in deaths due to either hanging or strangulation. Their thorough examination and analysis is extremely helpful in differentiation and provide vital medicolegal information. Method Present one year study was done at the mortuary of GSVM Medical College Kanpur. It includes retrospective evaluation of 441 deaths occurred due to hanging during the period of 1 year from January 2013 to December 2013. Results and Conclusion out of 441 cases (12.02% of total autopsies) of violent asphyxia deaths, 78.91% cases were due to Hanging wherein most common manner of death is suicidal 342 (98.27%). Maximum cases 134 (38.50%) were seen in the age group 21 to 30 years with a male predominance (62.93%). Soft ligature material was mostly used (n=217; 62.35%). The mark was obliquely placed in all cases and it was above the thyroid cartilage in 92.24% cases. Conclusion This study will educate and provide vital information for the Doctors, Police and concerned authorities in investigating cases of Hanging. Top Keywords Hanging, Autopsy, Ligature Material. Top |