Profile of fatal poisoning in autopsy cases at a tertiary care hospital in Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar islands): A seven-year retrospective study

Poisoning is a significant worldwide public health concern. According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2022 report, there is an increase in the number of suicides and suicide rate in India, in 2022 from 2021. The present study was a retrospective study conducted to determine the profile of fatal poisoning. A total of 65 fatal poisoning cases brought for autopsy at the Mortuary of the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, ANIIMS & G.B. Pant Hospital, Port Blair, Andaman & Nicobar Islands from January 2016 to December 2022 were analyzed. Gender-wise, the victims included 49 (75.4%) males and 16 (24.6%) females, the majority of whom were married. The maximum poisoning fatalities were observed in the age group of 31-40 years. Cases were relatively higher in rural (52.3%) areas than in urban (47.7%) areas. The most frequently observed was paraquat poisoning, with 21 (32.3%) cases. Most of the poisonings were suicidal in manner and happened at the residences of the deceased. A higher incidence of poisoning was observed during the daytime. The maximum number of poisoning cases was in January. Most cases were noted during October to January, constituting 29 (44.6%) cases. The highest number of deaths occurred during the year 2021. Almost all cases involved exposure to the poison through ingestion, except one. The most frequent survival period was more than 48 hours. Occupation-wise, most of the deceased were employed in private jobs. The most common stressors of fatal poisoning documented were due to domestic issues.