Profile of Mutilation-Murder in Northern Medico-legal Jurisdiction of Himachal Pradesh, India

Although the mutilation-murders are rare, but sudden outbreak of such cases over one year period (May2011-April2012) in Northern Medico-legal Jurisdiction of Himachal Pradesh (India) has put distrust on the security system in the state and have left the public with volte-face due to escalation of the hideous crime in the society. The purpose of this study was to provide an analysis of the mutilationmurders. Among total mutilation-murders all were of ‘defensive type’ executed through both active (cut-off parts, incineration) and passive (animal gnawing, decomposition) means of mutilation. Among all victims 77.78% are female victims of 18-40years age group; absolute identification could be established in 33.33% cases, which were the local inhabitants and being killed by their lovers and acquaintance in rainy and summer season by means of mechanical asphyxia and were involved in illegitimate sexual relationships. Six of them remained un-identified; this fact is suggestive of need of DNA profiling based identity card of the citizens to conquer the objective of mutilation-murder in the society.