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Case Report

SUICIDAL ELECTROCUTION DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A CASE REPORT

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Shrayash Singh — Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi -110001, India
Suni — Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi -110001, India
Shashank Tyagi — Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi -110001, India
Mukta Rani — Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Lady Hardinge Medical College & Associated Hospitals, New Delhi -110001, India
Published 30 May 2023 Vol. 40 No. 1 (2023), pp. 118-120
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Abstract

Introduction: The economic impact of the lockdown to restrict the spread of the virus during the COVID-19 pandemic has been tremendous. Each suicide is a traumatic event that takes an individual’s life abruptly and has a long-term rippling impact on the lives of family, friends, and communities. One of the most uncommon methods of suicide is electrocution. Case: A 26-year-old man was found dead in a hotel room with bare wire encircling his left wrist and right great toe connected to a wall plug carrying a 220 V current. He had been suffering from a depressive illness for some time. The Medico-legal autopsy and other findings attributed death due to suicidal electrocution. Conclusion: In this case, a young adult used an unusual method to end his life. With the help of a comprehensive police investigation and appropriately analyzed circumstantial evidence, the dilemma in the manner of death could be solved.

KeywordsSuicide by electrocutionSelf-electrocutionCOVID-19 PandemicDomestic electricity

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