Study of Pattern of Ligature Mark in Cases of Hanging in Kamrup Region, Assam State, India

Suicidal hanging still remains one of the commonest methods of committing suicide. A careful examination of the ligature material is very important while giving an opinion in hanging. This is an autopsy based study of hanging cases, conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gauhati Medical College in the year 2014–2015 to analyze the pattern of ligature mark. During this study period, a total number of 2964 autopsies were carried out in the department, out of which 379 cases were associated with hanging. Male female ratio was found as 2.32: 1. Majority of the cases 111 (29.29%) were found using plastic ropes as a ligature material in hanging. The commonest position of the knot was behind the left mastoid 125 (32.98%). Only 17 cases (4.48%) showed presence of ligature material in situ. Position of the ligature was above the thyroid cartilage in 100% cases. The ligature mark showed marked grooved pattern in 135 cases (35.62%). Grooved pattern of ligature mark was associated with plastic rope 103 (27.18%) and coir rope 23 (6.07%). Majority of grooved pattern 24.52% was seen between 6–12 hours period of suspension.