Autopsy in Cases of Custodial Torture: Indian Perspective

Autopsy in cases of suspected and unnatural deaths isa vital evidence in detection of the crime, and in cases of custodial death, has become the only piece of evidence as there is seldom any independent eye witness to narrate the incident. Many a time, the findings in the autopsy become the only evidence which can prove or nullify the commission of the offence. National Human Right Commission of India (NHRC), in the directions issued from time to time, has categorically stressed the need for careful and thorough autopsy examination in such cases. The main hurdle faced by the Forensic Medicine specialist in such cases is in the detection of hidden injuries in the body of the alleged victim of custodial torture without mutilation of the body. This article is intended to highlight the dissection method in custodial torture deaths with necessary precaution to be taken in such cases.