A Unique Case of Suicide by ‘Manufactured’ Carbon Monoxide Inhalation

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a major component of fire due to incomplete combustion of carbon. Accidental deaths due to CO inhalation are common in many parts of the world in various situations and circumstances. Suicides by CO inhalation are more common in developed countries and are quite rare in India, possibly due to the popularity of other methods for committing suicide. In the case being reported, an engineering student surfed the internet for different ways to commit suicide due to a jilted love affair. He apparently decided on CO, and “manufactured” the gas by indigenous means, and inhaled it to commit suicide in a meticulous and planned manner. This case report provides details of the unusual and unique method adopted by the deceased to commit suicide, which is relatively rare in the Indian scenario. This case also serves to highlight the misuse and abuse of the internet, and is an indicator of changing trends of suicide in India due to globalization and information explosion.