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Beyond the Scalpel: The Power of Questioning in Autopsy and chasing the truth – a case series

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Praveen Dixit — Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, United Institute of Medical Sciences, Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – 211012
Mamta Kumari — Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, K.D. Medical College, Mathura, Uttar Pradesh -281406
Hitesh Chawla — Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, SHKM Govt. Medical College, Nalhar, Haryana – 122107
Aravindan U — Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, AIIMS Madurai, Tamil Nadu – 625008
Published 12 Aug 2025 Vol. 42 No. 2 (2025), pp. 125-130
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Abstract

The word autopsy is derived from the Greek term autopsia, meaning to “see for oneself ” and is the keystone of forensic  medicine. The medico-legal autopsies in India are performed at the request of an investigative officer as guided under the  Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023, replacing the former Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) 1973. A com plete and meticulous autopsy is always necessary, as minor omissions can lead to misinterpretation of findings, affecting  judicial outcomes. Post-mortem artefacts and handling-related alterations can further complicate the interpretations,  resulting in obscure or negative autopsies where no definitive cause of death is established. Incongruities among forensic  experts can sometimes create professional disagreements, yet such wide-ranging outlooks can ultimately enhance justice  delivery. This article presents a case series highlighting the significance of preserving trivial evidence, conducting a com plete post-mortem examination, and looking at the post-mortem case through an open-eyed approach. Through three  post-mortem cases, we demonstrate how scientific rigour, DNA analysis, histopathology, radiology, and toxicology con tributed to solving complicated cases. Our findings highlight the need for a systematic and neutral approach in forensic pathology to prevent wrongful accusations and ensure reliable post-mortem examinations

 

KeywordsForensic medicineMedico-legal autopsyDNA analysisScientific rigourProfessional disagreements

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