No abstract

A retrospective autopsy study of fatal deliberate self harm (FDSH) was undertaken in the mortuary of Kasturba Hospital, Manipal, Southern India over a period of 12 years (1993-2004). Out of 1917 cases autopsied, 21.2% were deaths due to deliberate self harm (DSH). The male sex (66.1%) and victims in the third decade of life (35.9%) predominated. More than two-thirds of the decedents were married. More fatalities were observed during the winter season (35.8%) and in the day time (62.2%). Dispair with life (61.9%) was the most common motive for FDSH. The majority of fatalities were due to poisoning (73.5%), where organophosphorous compounds topped the list (71.9%). About one-third of the victims survived for 18 to 24 hours after DSH.

Differentiation between suicide and homicide often becomes difficult owing to the unusual methods of suicide used by the victim and the complexities thus posed. Investigating the cases of unusual suicides provides a considerable challenge to the authorities concerned. The issue of homicide should often be ruled out in such cases, which require careful evaluation. This is best done by correlating the morbid anatomical findings at autopsy with the death scene analysis coupled with psychological autopsy. Many forensic practitioners have reported unusual methods of suicide at their respective workplaces. Various types of unusual methods of suicide and the complexities involved in their investigation are presented and discussed.

Death due to burns is an important public health problem. Suicide by burning is uncommon in the Western world compared with Asian countries. This study presents retrospective research carried out in the tertiary care teaching hospital of Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, Southern India, between January 1993 to December 2003 (11 years). Out of a total of 343 burns deaths during the above-mentioned period, 39 were victims of suicide. The majority of deaths (46.1%) occurred in the 21-30 years age group, with a preponderance of the female sex (79.5%). Most of the victims belonged to the Hindu religion and the incident occurred mostly during the daytime. In the overwhelming majority of cases, the incident occurred at home (97.4%). In all cases kerosene was the accelerant and flame was the causative agent. In more than fifty per cent of cases, the total body surface area (TBSA) involved was more than 80%. Dowry demands and harassment were the reasons for committng suicide in 12 cases. More stringent laws and empowering female independence, both mentally and economically, will reduce suicidal burns in young women.