Profile of Deaths Due to Hanging-An Autopsy Study

The present study evaluated deaths due to hanging over a period of one year (January 2014-December2014) in the Department of Forensic Medicine and ToxicologyatKarnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, Karnataka.

There were total of 83 cases with males (61.4%) and females (38.6%). The highest incidence (39.8%) was seen in age group of 21–30 years. Majority (89.2%) victims preferred indoor sites (inside their residence and hotel rooms) for committing hanging. Family conflicts were the commonest factor responsible (54.2%) for hanging in majority of victims. Rope was the commonest material used for hanging (40.9%), followed by saree (24.1%), veil (21.7%). Majority (74.7%) of the victims showed atypical hanging, with knot present other than nape of neck and 25.3% victims showed typical hanging with knot present over nape of neck. Majority 67.4% victims used fixed noose and 32.6% victims used running noose.