Defence wounds in homicidal deaths

In order to determine the incidence and specific pattern of defence wounds, this study was done on 82 homicidal deaths, which showed defence wounds in 26 (31.7%) cases. Of the 26 victims, 88.5% were males and 11.5% were females. Maximum numbers of victims were in the age group of 21–40 years. It was found that in 53.8% of cases sharp weapons were used, whereas, in 11.5% and 34.6% of cases blunt weapons and multiple weapons, respectively, were used. In 73.1% of cases more than one assailant were involved. In 53.8% of cases defence wounds were seen on both side whereas in 30.8% cases only left side is involved and in 15.4% of cases only right side is involved. Victim's left arm, forearm and hand were more commonly involved because these are nearest to the perpetrator and consistent with the preponderance of right handed individuals in the population.