An analytical study of 118 hanging cases autopsied at Dr. B.R. Ambedkar Medical College, Bengaluru, Karnataka

Suicidal tendencies are increasing at an alarming rate all over the world. Hanging is one of the common method of committing suicide and is considered as a painless form of death. This prospective study was conducted among victims of hanging brought to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar medical college mortuary, Bengaluru during June 2016 to December 2016. A total of 118 cases of alleged hanging were selected for this prospective study. The pattern of hanging revealed from this study showed a male predominance. The maximum number of cases were in the 21 to 30 years age group. Overall the most common ligature material used for hanging was saree and dupatta. Hanging was typical in 06 cases (5.08%) and atypical in 112 cases (94.91%). Salivary dribble marks was seen in 29 (24.57%) cases and protrusion of tongue present in 37 (31.35%) cases. The direction of ligature mark was oblique in 105 (88.98%) cases and transverse in 13 (11.01%) cases. Ligature mark was above the thyroid cartilage in 92.37% cases and over the thyroid cartilage in 7.62% cases. Hyoid bone fracture was noted in 05 cases and thyroid cartilage fracture was seen in 01 case.