Study of Ligature Mark in hanging cases in Bangalore East Region

Hanging is the commonest method of committing suicide and is considered as a painless form of death. In hanging the appreciation of external signs particularly ligature mark plays a vital role. Hence a proper observation and study of ligature mark which the characteristic hallmark of hanging, needs greater emphasis. The ligature mark is a pressure abrasion on the neck at the site of the ligature which appears as a groove. This prospective study was conducted among victims of hanging brought to Dr. B. R. Ambedkar Medical College morgue, Bangalore during the period November 2010 to October 2012. A sum total of 232 cases brought with a history of hanging were selected for this prospective study. Atypical ligature marks with partial hanging outnumbered typical ligature mark with complete hanging. Single ligature mark above the level of thyroid cartilage with a breadth of 1to2cms is observed in the maximum number of cases. Majority of the ligature marks were prominent in their appearance. The colour of ligature mark was dark brown in one third of cases.