Patterns of Homicidal Deaths Autopsied at tertiary Care Institute, thane: A Five years Retrospective study

Homicide is defined as killing of one human being by another human being. Mens rea and Actus reus are the two elements for commission of murder which should work together for constitution of crime. The aims & objectives of this study are to analyze various aspects of homicidal autopsy cases, to find out age, sex wise variation of homicidal cases, to find out distribution of various modes of death and various types of weapons used in homicidal offences and to draw public attention and awareness regarding current patterns of homicidal offences.

A retrospective study was conducted in department of Forensic medicine, Tertiary care institute during the period from January 2011 to December 2015 which includes 57 deceased persons died due to homicide brought for autopsy.

Among 2764 medicolegal autopsies conducted during the period of 5 years, 57 cases (2.06%) were of homicidal deaths. The present study demonstrated preponderance of male victims 43 (75.44%) over females 14 (24.56%). Major bulk of the male victims belonged to age group 21–30 years. Most commonly used weapon of offence by assailant is sharp edge with tapering end (40.35%) followed by sharp edged heavy weapon (28.07%) and was of Hard and blunt weapon (15.79%).

Homicidal deaths constituted 2.06% of autopsies conducted in five year study. Majority of victims belonged to 3rd and 4th decades and sharp edge weapon were the most common weapon of offence.