Pattern of Injuries in Homicidal Deaths in Bhopal Region

A serious danger posed in front of humanity is the danger from death by murder. In spite of all the measures, there has been increase in incidence of homicide all over the world including India. The present study was based on retrospective analysis of 218 homicidal deaths in three years period from January 2004 to December 2006 from autopsies done in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal and Medico legal Institute, Home (Police) department, Government of Madhya Pradesh. The present study is carried out to assess the most vulnerable age group, sex incidence, seasonal variation, hospitalization, survival time, fatal period, organs involved and weapons used in order to get better perspective of the situation. The incidence of homicide was found to be 3.82%, Male to female ratio was 2.9: 1. Third decade was most affected age group (39.44%). Homicide by physical assault was found in 84.4% cases while asphyxia in 35.6% cases. Stabbing was the most common type of injury (42.9% cases) and head & face was the most common site of body involved (33.5% cases). The data collected is compared with previously published literature.