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Home▶ Journals▶ Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology▶Archive▶Vol. 42 No. 2 (2025)▶Tragic End: A Case Report of Suicidal Death Due to Aqua…
Case Report

Tragic End: A Case Report of Suicidal Death Due to Aqua Regia Ingestion

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Raghvendra Singh — Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Lucknow
Mousami Singh — Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
Tauheed Anwar — Junior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
Saurabh S Prajapati — Junior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
Anoop Kr Verma — Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
Published 12 Aug 2025 Vol. 42 No. 2 (2025), pp. 146-149
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Abstract

Introduction-Suicide is a tragic and complex phenomenon that poses significant challenges to individuals, families, and  societies worldwide. One distressing method that individuals may employ in their desperate act is suicide by corrosive  acid. The Corrosive, Aqua regia, an extremely corrosive mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid when used as a  method of self-inflicted harm involves the deliberate ingestion or exposure to it, leading to severe injuries and often fatal  consequences. This is the rare autopsy report representing the findings in case of suicidal death due to aqua regia.Aim To present an autopsy case of Suicidal death due to Aqua regia ingestion.Case report-we present a case of death due  to aqua regia ingestion. It was a hospital death showing death due to corrosive ingestion, the burn percentage was near  60%. On external examination exposed surface was yellowish-brown in color. On internal examination, the abdominal  cavity was filled with blood. Besides severe congestion, perforation, and brownish-black discoloration were present. Conclusion-Suicide by corrosive acid represents a distressing and complex issue that requires careful examination. The  highly corrosive nature of aqua regia can cause severe damage to the GI tract, particularly the oral cavity, oesophagus,  stomach and intestine. This Tragic case highlights the importance of early identification, intervention and support for  individuals at risk of self-harm.

KeywordsSuicidal deathAqua regia ingestionSelf-harmCorrosive Substance

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