Pattern of unnatural death in Lucknow capital of Uttar Pradesh

A two-year prospective study was carried out on the cases of those un-natural deaths which were subjected to medicolegal autopsies conducted at CSSMU Mortuary and those unnatural death which were reported or published in national and regional daily news papers from authentic sources from 1^st October 2006 to 30^th September 2008.

The main objectives of the study were:

a) To know magnitude of problem and to ascertain the different aspects of unnatural deaths.

b) To analyze the various reason for the same.

c) How the pattern of unnatural deaths in Lucknow are different from other regions of the country.

d) To find out important remedial measures to minimize the incidence.

The unnatural deaths incidences are increasing persistently. The most vulnerable age group was of 21–30 years followed by 31–40 years. Males were the predominant victim of unnatural deaths with male female ratio 4:1. Unnatural deaths due to homicidal violence were more prevalent in the rural areas particularly due to family and property disputes. Urban victims were more prone for road traffic accidents. Hanging was the preferred method of suicide in males whereas poisoningand self immolation (burn) was the preferred methode of in Females.

Better road safety measures, better road and signal conditions, strict compliance of traffic rules, education regarding stress reduction and encouragement of moral values, speedy justice and sensual and competent public authorities, responsible for dealing of cases of social importance all will give positive impact to the society. Incidence of unnatural death will reduce with good governance, better education and empbyment and rearing opportunity.