Medicolegal masquerade – A case report

The role of doctor in criminal justice system is vital. More so when the case is ambiguous, it acquires much more importance and as a forensic expert he will have to deliver the goods for administration of justice. The motto of us should be “Let hundred culprits go scot-free, but one innocent should not be punished”.

A case was brought with history of fall from electric pole. The deceased had cut laceration with beveling towards right over frontal area of scalp with cut fracture of skull underneath suggestive of infliction of injury by a fairly heavy sharp cutting weapon^1,2. The puzzle could only be solved by visiting scene of crime, interaction with Investigating Officer (IO) and eye witness. This case is presented to highlight the importance of visiting scene of crime and role of psychological autopsy in giving ‘Final Diagnosis’.