Mukta Rani

A Study of Homicidal Deaths in Delhi

A meticulous post-mortem review was undertaken in the department of forensic medicine at the Maulana Azad Medical College (MAMC) to find out trends in homicides during the period 1992-1996. Standard procedures for autopsies and a review of the inquest papers were carried out. Out of 3,886 medico-legal autopsies performed in the department during the said period, only 232 cases (5.9%) were homicidal deaths. The commonest age group of the victims was 21-30 years (38%). Males were victimized three times more often than females. The incidence of crime was slightly more at night than in the daytime, though evenly distributed during the winter and summer seasons. In our series, sharp weapon injuries were the most common type (34.9%) followed by blunt force injuries (15.9%). Defence wounds were present in 35 cases (15%). Violent rage/quarrel was the motive in 61 cases (29%).

Accidents are caused, they do not happen

ABSTRACT The head, being the most vulnerable part of human body, is the most commonly injured body part in accidents, especially those involving road traffic. In an unusual case, the deceased succumbed to internal injuries of the brain that resulted from the neck being constricted with the loose end of a dupatta. The woman was pillion riding a motorbike when the loose end of the dupatta got entangled in the rear wheel of the motorbike. As a result, her neck was constricted by the dupatta and wentunnoticed. This paper comments on the safety of wearing the traditional style dressing of Indian women while riding on two wheeled vehicles. Additionally, this paper suggests it be mandatory to wear helmets for all pillion riders in order to prevent such mishaps in future.