Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
The Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (JFMT) is a peer-reviewed, hybrid, bi-annual journal with a broad international perspective. The journal is dedicated to all branches of Forensic Medicine, Legal Medicine, Toxicology and allied sciences for the administration of justice. Specifically, the Journal encourages research articles that explore principles of forensic practice in contact with judicial system, practice of toxicology; and articles related to medical litigation, medical law and medico-legal issues arising out of day-to-day practice. The journal is an official publication of Medicolegal Society (regd.). The journal was initiated in year 1984 and passing through 40th year of its publication in 2023.
Multidetector CT Evaluation of Sternomanubrial and Xiphisternal Joint Fusion for Adult Age Estimation in a Haryanvi Population
Background: Age estimation is an essential component of forensic anthropology and medicolegal investigations, partic ularly in adults where conventional skeletal indicators show variable reliability. The sternum, especially the sternomanu brial and xiphisternal joints, has emerged as a potential parameter for adult age estimation using radiological imaging. However, population-specific data regarding sternal fusion patterns are limited in the Haryanvi population. Aim: To evaluate the fusion status of the sternomanubrial and xiphisternal joints using multidetector computed tomog raphy (MDCT) for adult age estimation in a Haryanvi population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted on thoracic MDCT scans of 72 individuals (43 males and 29 females) aged 26–90 years. Three-dimensional reconstructed CT images were evaluated for fusion status of the sternomanubrial and xiphisternal joints. Fusion patterns were classified as no fusion, partial fusion, and complete fusion. Participants were grouped into seven age categories. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20.0, and Pearson’s Chi-square test was applied to assess the association between fusion status, age, and gender. Results: Partial fusion was the most common finding at the sternomanubrial joint (41.7%), while complete fusion pre dominated at the xiphisternal joint (77.8%). No statistically significant association was observed between sternomanu brial joint fusion and age (p = 0.868). Although xiphisternal joint fusion also did not demonstrate statistical significance (p = 0.071), a progressive increase in complete fusion with advancing age was observed. Complete xiphisternal fusion was present in all participants aged ≥81 years. Conclusion: MDCT evaluation of sternal joint fusion provides useful baseline data for forensic age estimation in the Haryanvi population. While sternomanubrial fusion demonstrated considerable variability, xiphisternal fusion showed a progressive age-related trend and may serve as a supplementary indicator for adult age estimation when used alongside other skeletal parameters.
Chemical Burns Mimicking Ligature Strangulation Mark: A Medicolegal Masquerade
Neck lesions are often interpreted as evidence of compressive force over the neck during forensic investigations. However, corrosive chemical burns can create a deceptive appearance that closely resembles a ligature mark, potentially leading to misclassification of the manner of death. We report the case of a 68-year-old male found dead at home with band-like lesions on the neck, initially suspected to represent ligature strangulation. This case highlights how corrosive poisoning can mimic external signs of strangulation, misleading investigators toward homicide. Careful autopsy, histopathology, and toxicological confirmation were crucial in establishing the true cause and manner of death. Awareness of such mas querades is vital to avoid misinterpretation in forensic practice.
Catastrophic Consequences of an Extramarital Affair: A Case Report on Dyadic Death as Filicide- Suicide
Background: Murder-suicide, also known as homicide-suicide or dyadic death, refers to a scenario in which a murder is committed and the offender commits suicide shortly after the murder. Homicide-suicides are relatively uncommon and vary by region. Dyadic deaths, including homicide-suicide incidents, are a terrible combination of self-destruction and interpersonal violence. Filicide–suicide is a subset of dyadic death that occurs when a parent kills their child before taking their own life. Complex psychosocial factors, such as interpersonal conflict, infidelity, financial constraints, and emotional instability, are frequently the motivating factors behind these situations. Case Report: We report a case of a middle-aged married man involved in an extramarital relationship who killed his live-in partner and their toddler son before taking his own life. The woman was found dead, with evidence of ligature strangulation and blunt force trauma to the head. The son was found nearby with signs consistent with throttling. The perpetrator husband was found hanging from the ceiling fan at the crime scene. Conclusion: This case highlights the complex relationships between environmental, relational, and psychological pres sures that can result in dyadic death, especially when emotional breakdown, adultery, and marital discord occur. It emphasizes the importance of early detection of domestic violence, family turmoil, and other risk factors to avert such disastrous consequences. Meticulous post – mortem examination aids in the medicolegal comprehension of the dynam ics of filicide-suicide and the distinctive patterns of injuries seen in such tragic incidents.
An Unusual Homicide: A case of sharp force fatality by broken glass bottle
As sharp force injury accounts for 10-20% of clinical forensic examinations, forensic pathologists are often asked to inves tigate deceased victims of stab wounds. Moreover, homicides by sharp force (stabbing and incisions) generally involve domestic or interpersonal conflicts. Death due to stabbing is usually caused by exsanguinating incisions to organs or large blood vessels, leading to hemorrhagic shock. This paper aims to emphasize the importance of a thorough autopsy pro cedure which includes documentation of the type, pattern and dimensions of injuries, in these cases. In the present case, the dead body of a 40 years old unknown male was brought to the mortuary, with a history of homicidal stab over the neck by broken beer bottles. The fatal injuries were two stab injuries over the neck, but numerous incised wounds were also present, all injuries having atypical appearance and varied morphology. This case is discussed in light of the pattern of injuries caused by the broken glass bottle.
Sexual dimorphism from osteometric analysis of sternum and ribs using Computed Tomography (CT) in the South Indian population
Sexual dimorphism in bones is essential in identifying unidentified bodies from skeletal remains. The manubrium and sternum have a high rate of recovery (over 59%), which makes these bones particularly useful. The accuracy of sex deter mination can be increased by taking measurements such as the width of various ribs into account. Our primary objective was to correlate the sexual dimorphism of the sternum and fourth, fifth and sixth ribs with osteometric measurements and sternal index in the South Indian population. A total of 214 patients, consisting of 107 males and 107 females, were included in the study. The left fourth rib superior-inferior height (SIH) was the best predictor for sex determination, fol lowed by the sternal area, right fourth rib SIH and the combined length of the manubrium and sternal body. Among ster nal measurements, the sternal area (SA) showed the highest degree of sexual dimorphism, correctly classifying 84.11% of males and 90.65% of females, and the overall correct classification rate was 87.38%. The combined manubrium and sternal body length (CL) were also correctly classified in 85.05% of males and 88.79% of males, and the overall classifica tion accuracy rate is 86.92%. Analysis revealed that the left fourth rib superior-inferior height (SIH) exhibited a correct classification rate of 92.52% for males and 84.11% for females at a cut-off value of 1.39 cm. The overall classification rate was found to be 88.32%.
Enhancing Forensic Identification by Performing a Thorough Examination of Palatal Rugae Patterns in Over 200 Individuals through Palatal Rugoscopy
The application of palatal rugoscopy as a forensic identification technique is examined in this study. The study examines the uniqueness, stability, and possibility for estimating age and gender in the palatal rugae patterns of more than 200 individuals. Digital photography, statistical analysis, cast preparation, and impressions taking are all part of the approach. The findings shed light on age-related variances, gender-based disparities, and the frequency distribution of rugae types. The discussion examines the implications for forensic science and assesses the main findings in light of the body of current research. The research is summed up, its importance is emphasized, and future research directions are suggested in the conclusion.
Clinical Manifestations, Treatment and Outcomes of Snake bite cases in a Tertiary care hospital- A Record based Retrospective Study
Introduction: Snake bite is an important occupational hazard in India. Systematic documentation of site of bite, time of bite, treatment used, duration of hospital stay and outcome will help in contributing towards optimization and efficient utilization of resources, training of emergency staff handling of snake bites, planning resource allocation, procurement of medicines. The objectives of the study were to determine the proportion of snake bites with clinical features of envenomation, to document the clinical signs of envenomation and the medications used in snake bite with regard to dose and duration and outcomes including duration of stay, complications, need for additional interventions and death. Methods: Data was extracted by a retrospective observational study of case records from the department of General Medicine in our college, from January 2011 to November 2020 after obtaining approval from ethics committee. Results: In this study, data was extracted from 28 snake bite case records, in which two cases were non-poisonous snake bites, four cases did not have any signs of envenomation and 22 snake bite cases presented with signs of envenomation of which 14 snake bite cases received Anti Snake Venom (ASV) in an average dose of 8.35 vials per person as mentioned in the case records. Cellulitis (57.13%) was the most documented complication and no deaths were documented. Conclusion: According to this study most of the snake bite cases presented with signs of envenomation, of which larger portion had neurotoxic manifestations. No deaths were documented due to early shifting to hospital and effective man agement of the cases.
Maxillary Central Incisor and Canine Odontometrics: An Obscure Tool for Sex Determination in the Indian Demographic
The aim of the study was to determine the mean values of cervico-incisal and mesio-distal odontometrics of maxil lary central incisors and maxillary canines among the Indian population; and investigate whether any significant sexual dimorphism (P value < 0.05) exists among them. The objective was also to discover the significant sexually dimorphic odontometric parameters in different age groups among the study population. Relationship of these odontometrics with the age of the subjects was also assessed. This cross-sectional study consisted of 104 subjects (54 males and 50 females). In each participant, cervico-incisal and mesio-distal odontometric dimensions of permanent maxillary central incisors and maxillary canines of both sides (CI11, MD11, CI21, MD21, CI13, MD13, CI23, MD23) were calculated intraorally, using a digital vernier caliper. Data obtained was then statistically analyzed using SPSS version 21.0. Six odontometric measurements were significantly greater in males than in females in the overall study population. CI23 emerged as the most reliable odontometric parameter. Specific significant odontometric parameters were also found in every age group among the study population. No significant relationship between any odontometric dimension and the age of participants was observed. It was revealed that the cervico-incisal odontometric measurements of maxillary central incisors and canines, and mesio-distal odontometric measurements of maxillary canines, can play a notable role in determining sex within the Indian population. Findings of this research can assist forensic odontologists in utilizing specific odon tometric parameters to ascertain the sex of individuals, when their age range is known and they are part of the Indian demographic.
Histopathological spectrum of renal lesions in autopsy cases: Correlation with kidney weight and cause of death
Autopsy-based histopathological evaluation of kidneys provides essential insight into the prevalence and spectrum of renal disease, especially in cases where renal dysfunction remains undiagnosed during life. The present study aimed to analyze the morphological and microscopic renal lesions in medicolegal autopsies, correlating them with demographic variables, kidney weight, and cause of death. A total of 100 autopsy cases were studied in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Amritsar. Gross kidney features including size, surface, and weight were recorded, and histopathological examination was performed using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Out of 100 cases, 75 showed renal lesions while 25 had normal histology and non-glomerular lesions were more common than glomerular ones. The most frequent findings were acute tubular necrosis, arteriosclerosis, and chronic pyelonephritis. Renal pathol ogies were most frequently detected in poisoning and cardiovascular deaths. These findings highlight the importance of routine renal histopathological examination in all autopsies for improved understanding of hidden renal morbidity and systemic pathology, analyzing their association with demographic variables, kidney weight, and cause of death.
Copyright (c) 2026 Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Concealment and Revelation: Forensic Analysis in Homicide Investigations - A Case Series
Concealed homicides present major challenges to forensic investigation by obscuring evidence, complicating identifica tion, and hindering the determination of cause and manner of death. This study analyses six cases of concealed homicide examined between May 2023 and May 2025 at a tertiary care hospital mortuary in South India. The victims, aged 21–31 years, included five males and one female. Alcohol was detected in five cases, indicating its contributory role in violent behaviour. Causes of death included cranio-cerebral injuries in three cases, cut-throat injury and ligature strangulation each in one instance, and one undetermined due to advanced decomposition. Concealment methods included burial (three cases), staged drowning (one case), post-mortem suspension mimicking suicide (one case), and dismemberment with submersion (one case), corresponding to Grades 1–3 of Schneikert’s concealment classification. Stages of decom position ranged from early putrefaction to partial skeletonisation. Identification was established through tattoos and clothing in four cases and confirmed by DNA profiling in all. This case series highlights the crucial role of comprehen sive forensic examination, toxicological analysis, and DNA profiling in uncovering concealed homicides and ensuring accountability under the law.
Ensuring Excellence and Quality Accreditation in Medico Legal Practices
The medico-legal system forms a critical interface between medicine and law, pivotal for the administration of justice. Its integrity, however, is frequently compromised by the absence of standardized protocols and a formal accreditation frame work. The integration of robust quality accreditation systems, drawing parallels from established healthcare standards like the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), is essential to address this deficiency. These standards can also be applicable to certain aspects in the field of forensic – State Forensic Labs and Forensic Histopathology labs. Maintaining healthcare standards and following protocols also reduces the medicolegal burden of hospitals. A structured quality management system is imperative for ensuring precision, accountability, and integrity in all medico-legal procedures. This is particularly crucial for post-mortem examinations, where the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for autopsy performance, dead body management, chain of custody for sample preservation, and compliant biomedical waste management prevents evidentiary contamination and procedural lapses. Also following a standard report ing format can make sure the quality of reporting is not compromised. Adopting a formal accreditation process would minimize errors, enhance the scientific validity of forensic findings, and ensure uniformity across different centres. A quality-accredited medico-legal framework is fundamental to upholding the principles of justice, ensuring defensibility in court, and strengthening public confidence in both the medical and legal systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mukul Sharma, Yogendra Velicharla, Utsav Parekh, Sanjay Gupta (Author)
Optimization of Pre-treatment Conditions for Direct PCR Analysis of Human Bloodstains at Various Storage Durations
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has undergone significant advancements and has been applied in various fields, including forensics. In the field of forensic analysis, rapidity and efficiency are paramount. One promising technique is direct PCR, which involves conducting PCR analysis without DNA extraction, facilitating a more rapid and efficient analysis. However, treating samples used directly as templates is essential to ensure the PCR reaction can proceed. This study involved optimizing the treatment of blood samples (incubation at 60°C and 90°C for 10 minutes) prior to their use as a direct PCR template and evaluating the effectiveness of direct PCR on human bloodstains incubated for various durations (0, 7, 14, 21, and 30 days) using primers of the human cytochrome b gene. The gene has significant variation between species, but limited variation within the species. The results indicated that the cytochrome b gene primers suc cessfully amplified human DNA. Samples incubated at 90°C for 10 minutes or at 60°C for 10 minutes could be used as direct PCR templates. Human bloodstains remained analyzable using direct PCR up to 30 days following the initial sampling. This study provides valuable insights for forensic experts, enabling them to expedite and enhance the efficiency of the PCR process in forensic applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wimbuh Tri Widodo, Sonny Kristianto, Rury Eryna Putri, Ahmad Yudianto, Fatimah, Lalu Unsunnidhal (Author)
Murder by Mutilation: Forensic Autopsy and Legal Responses to Intestine Cutting Killers
BackgroundMutilation killings, especially those in which the victim has been disembowelled, are among the most vio lent forms of homicide and are generally believed to be the work of serial killers. These are not typical forensic pathology cases, illustrating deficiencies in legal, ethical, and investigative structures. To achieve better investigative and judicial outcomes, it is essential to understand the forensic, psychiatric, and legal complexities of these cases. MethodsNational and International landmark case laws, medico-legal autopsy reports and court proceedings concern ing mutilation homicides in which evisceration is the principal modality of assault were narratively reviewed in this article. Electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and legal repositories, were searched using a defined set of search terms related to mutilation, autopsy findings, offender profiling, ethics, and evaluation. ResultsThe findings of a forensic autopsy contribute decisively to the establishment of the cause and manner of death and also to differentiating ante mortem from post-mortem mutilation. Ritualistic behaviour and related psychopathol ogy were often linked to specific organ-targeting patterns. Ethical issues arose about mutilated corpses, collateral trauma to forensic pathologists and the open-court presentation of gruesome evidence. The court’s scrutiny highlighted the ongoing challenges in critically evaluating complex scientific evidence without compromising the accused’s right to a fair trial. ConclusionThe findings emphasise the imperative of sound cross-disciplinary cooperation in an in-depth homicide investigation involving forensic medicine, law, and ethics at both investigative and court stages. Scientific rigour informed by ethical sensitivity and judicial wisdom will help us deal more appropriately, justly, and accountably with these cases.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rajneesh Kumar, Gurminder Kaur, Ankit Anand, M Shamima Parveen, Hrishikesh Manu (Author)
Determining Stature Using Hand and Foot Anthropometric Measurements in Young Adults
Introduction: Estimating stature is a crucial aspect of forensic identification, particularly when dealing with fragmented human remains. Due to the impact of ethnicity and regional variations, models tailored to specific populations are cru cial. In India’s varied population, particularly in urban areas such as Delhi, localized information improves precision in medico-legal inquiries. Methods: This study examined the relationship between stature and the anthropometric measurements of the hand and foot in 200 healthy young adults (100 were males, 100 were females) aged 18–25 years. Anthropometric dimensions of the length and breadth of both left and right hands and feet were recorded and analysed. Results: Males exhibited significantly higher average values for all measured parameters (p < 0.05) as compared to females. Insignificant bilateral variations were found, with the exception of foot length in males (p = 0.03). Regarding the relationship between stature and the variables, hand length demonstrated the strongest correlation with stature in males (r = 0.572), while foot length showed the highest correlation in females (r = 0.649). Lower standard errors of estimate suggested that multiple regression models were better than the simple linear models, which confirms hypothesis regard ing the usefulness of measurement of hands and feet in devising unique and better regression models based on sex for forensic stature estimation. Conclusion: The research revealed a significant correlation between height and the dimensions of hand and foot, with left hand length in males and right foot length in females demonstrating the highest accuracy. The bilateral differences were mostly negligible. Multi-regression models surpassed simple linear models, highlighting the importance of inte grated parameters for stature estimation.
Injury Pattern and Outcomes of Fatal Road Traffic Accidents in Varanasi region: An Autopsy based study
Road traffic incidents (RTIs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The number of fatal traffic accidents rises sharply in tandem with the number of vehicles on the road, from motorcycles to large trucks. In order to identify common injury patterns, demographic trends, and clinical outcomes, this retrospec tive analysis looks at the autopsy records of 236 fatal RTA patients. The results indicate that long bone fractures and cranio-cerebral traumas are the leading causes of death, particularly for men between the ages of 19 and 45. The gender and age differences in these injury categories are evident in the higher prevalence of organ ruptures and crush injuries in older age groups. The leading cause of death for victims of RTAs was head injury (170 out of 236 cases) followed by shock and haemorrhage (30 out of 236 cases). Thus, the study highlights the necessity of improved trauma treatment programs and focused preventative measures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Neeraj, Surendra Kumar Pandey, Khushveer rathore, D Abdul Farooq (Author)
Fingerprint Pattern Similarities Among Family Members: A Forensic Study of Hereditary Factors
Fingerprints are a vital tool for identifying criminals and disaster victims. While DNA testing is effective, it is expensive and often a resource constraint for agencies like DVI. A more affordable solution is a fingerprint recognition system integrated with population data. Interestingly, 46.4% of children share the same fingerprint pattern as their parents. This similarity allows for the identification of underage victims or those without biometric data by matching their fingerprints with living relatives. This research aims to analyze inherited fingerprint patterns within families. Fingerprint are obtained from 36 subject of 2 big families comprising of a group of three levels of descent. The data obtained were analyzed by elaborating the data in the form of tables and statistic test. There is a high prevalence of the Ulnar Loop fingerprint pat tern in Family A (75.33%) and Family B (78.57%). In Family A, Ulnar Loop was found on the middle finger of the right hand (100%), and the middle finger of the left hand (93.33%). In Family B, grandparents with 100% Ulnar Loop patterns passed this trait to all their children except for one with 90%. A significant relationship between family members and fingerprint pattern similarity shows in both families (p value < 0.05). The Ulnar Loop showed a strong positive correlation (0.765***) in Family A and a strong negative correlation (-0.716**) in Family B, highlighting complex inheritance patterns. These findings strongly indicate a significant familial influence on fingerprint patterns, particularly the Ulnar Loop, affirming the potential for developing family-based fingerprint-matching technologies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mustika Syarifah, Tri Bintarti, Mohammad Rifa’i, Diana Lisnawati (Author)
Comparative Forensic Examination of Signatures Executed on Paper and Stylus-Based Digital Devices
Handwritten signatures serve as a primary means of authentication in legal, financial, and administrative contexts. With the increasing use of stylus based digital devices, signatures are frequently executed on electronic platforms, raising questions regarding their forensic comparability with conventional pen & paper signatures. Handwriting represents a complex motor skill involving coordinated neuromuscular activity, and variations may arise due to changes in writing conditions. The present study examines the similarities and differences between signatures written on paper and those executed on a digital tablet (iPad) using a stylus. A total of 100 participants provided paired signature samples under both conditions, and seventeen handwriting characteristics were evaluated using a four-point ordinal scale. The results indi cate that most characteristics exhibit either no variation or slight variation across writing media, with moderate variation observed only in a limited number of execution related features and no instances of extreme variation. Structural characteristics, including letter formation, spacing, and overall signature configuration, remained largely consistent, while minor differences were observed in dynamic features such as pen movement, line quality, and writing speed. The find ings suggest that variations introduced by digital writing conditions fall within the range of natural variation and do not significantly alter fundamental handwriting characteristics, thereby supporting the reliability of forensic comparison of electronically executed signatures when medium related variations are considered appropriately.
Double Death: Unique Presentation Of Accidental, Fatal Double Electrocution
Flow of electrical particles is responsible for electricity and when substantial electric current pass through the tissue, it leads to skin lesions, organ damage and death which is called electrocution.1 Most often, electrical fatalities are naturally accidental in nature.2 High voltage electrical injuries are relatively uncommon but, considerably contribute to occupa tional fatalities with the existence of hazardous exposure during their tasks at workplaces.3,4 This case reports a double electrocution accident due to contact with live wire lying unattended on the accident scene.
Pubic Symphyseal Age Estimation from Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Pelvic CT Scans
Background: Accurate age estimation remains a cornerstone of forensic identification. Among several skeletal markers, the pubic symphysis has emerged as a reliable site for adult age assessment due to its predictable morphological changes. Conventional methods like Todd’s and Suchey–Brooks phase systems have been widely used. However, these are primar ily based on direct skeletal examination, which may not always be feasible. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of age estimation from three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans using estab lished morphological phase systems. the pubic symphysis has emerged as a reliable site, assessing its application in living individuals for forensic purposes in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: CT scans of adult pelvises were reconstructed in 3D and analyzed for morphological changes at the pubic symphysis. A comparative analysis was conducted between Todd’s 10-phase system, McKern-Stewart’s component-based method, Gilbert-McKern’s female-specific modification, and the Suchey–Brooks six-phase system. Morphological features such as dorsal plateau, ventral rampart, and symphyseal rim were evaluated across age and sex strata. Statistical tools were used to assess interobserver agreement, correlations, and accuracy. Results and Conclusion: 3D CT reconstructions provided clear visualization of morphological changes, facilitating precise phase identification. The Suchey–Brooks and McKern-Stewart systems showed significant concordance with chronological age, and the component-based approach demonstrated higher objectivity and repeatability. Age estimation was more reliable in males due to the confounding effect of childbirth-related changes in females. Three-dimensional CT reconstruction is a promising, non-invasive tool for age estimation using pubic symphyseal mor phology. Its application can enhance forensic accuracy in living individuals and skeletal remains, particularly in regions like India where population-specific standards are needed. Future studies should focus on creating localized databases for improved forensic applicability.
Nitrogen-Induced Suicidal Asphyxiation In Maharashtra State Of India- A Case Report
Suicidal death by nitrogen-induced asphyxiation is not uncommon worldwide other than India. Seldom incidents of this phenomenon occurred in India in recent years which is an unusual suicide method among Indians. This article presents a case report of nitrogen-induced suicidal asphyxiation from Maharashtra State in India. A young male committed suicide by placing a black plastic bag over the head and using commercial nitrogengas cylinder.In this case, a forensic autopsy was carried out including toxicological analysis. Apart from signs of asphyxia, autopsy didn’t reveal any positive finding. Toxicological analysis revealed no findings contributing to the deaths. The absence of toxicological and autopsy findings to determine the cause of death in such cases may represent challenges of clinical and forensic significance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Santosh H Bhosle, Shailesh M Raut, Harshlata I Chavhan, Anil K Batra, Dheeraj P Batra (Author)
Decoding Suicide: The Need For Mandatory Psychological Autopsy In India
Suicide remains a major public health and medico-legal challenge in India, where rates are among the highest globally. Traditional autopsy often fails to distinguish suicide from accident or homicide in equivocal cases, leading to diagnostic and legal uncertainty. The psychological autopsy (PA), developed in the mid-20th century, reconstructs the deceased’s mental state and life stressors through collateral interviews and records. This paper reviews the concept, history, methodology, applications, and legal-ethical considerations of Psychological Autopsy, with emphasis on its relevance in India. Landmark international and Indian cases highlight its investigative value. Ethical implications after the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) are examined. Finally, we argue for PA’s mandatory integration into medico-legal practice in India to strengthen forensic investigation, judicial outcomes, and suicide prevention strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 R Monisha, Sachin Kumar Meena, Pradeep Meena, Kavya Sharma (Author)
Postmortem Bleed - An Artefact- A Case Report
Introduction: Artefact is any change caused or feature introduced in a body after death (accidental or physiologically unrelated finding to the natural state of the body) that is likely to lead to misinterpretation of medico legally significant ante mortem findings. Case details: This is a case of 24yr old male who hanged himself in a hotel room. Front foot were touching the floor and heel slightly lifted up and there was frank blood on the floor just beneath the foot. Upon examining the body, dried blood stains were present on both the lower limb and the origin of bleed was traced to anal orifice. After taking detailed history the relatives mentioned that the person was suffering from hemorrhoids and was taking treatment for the same from local hospital. During dissection anal mucosal tear was seen at 12’ O clock position. Multiple petechiae were also seen on larynx and epiglo ttis. There were no signs of struggle or injury on body and the careful neck dissection did not show any muscular haematoma or rupture of muscles. Conclusion: The time since death was about 24 to 36hr from time of postmortem examination. It was concluded as a post mortem artefact, not an injury due to any foul play.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shivanand Tanwashi, Siddharth Singh, Santosh Soni (Author)
Distribution Of Lip Print Patterns Among Primary School Children In West Bengal Using The Suzuki–Tsuchihashi Classification: A Cross-Sectional Forensic Study
Cheiloscopy, the study of lip-print patterns, has emerged as a promising supplementary tool for personal identification due to the uniqueness, permanence, and stability of lip grooves. Despite its potential, population-specific data—espe cially among children—remain limited, and standardized protocols for collection and analysis are lacking. This cross-sec tional descriptive study was conducted across ten districts of West Bengal, India, involving 616 primary school students aged 6–10 years. Lip prints were collected prospectively using a standardized methodology. Each print was divided into six quadrants and classified using the Suzuki and Tsuchihashi system (Types I, I’, II, III, IV, V). Results revealed that Type II (Branched) was the predominant pattern across all districts and all six quadrants, demonstrating strong uni formity within the population. Type III (Intersected) was the second most common in upper quadrants, whereas Type I (Complete Vertical) dominated as the secondary pattern in lower quadrants. Notably, Type V (Undetermined) was absent in every quadrant and district. District-wise variations existed but did not alter the overall dominance of Type II. The study highlights significant consistency with previous Indian and international research, reinforcing the prevalence of the branched pattern in diverse populations. By focusing on a young demographic, the study adds valuable baseline data for early-life lip print characteristics.
Homicidal Death By Crude Bomb Explosion: A Case Report With Forensic Patho-Mechanical Insights
Background: Crude bombs are homemade explosive devices created from inexpensive and easily accessible materials like glass fragments, jute fibers, stones, iron nails, etc. They serve as a substitute for costly explosives. Crude bomb explosions have complicated medicolegal ramifications that necessitate a thorough comprehension of the patho-mechanics of the injuries sustained. The patho-mechanics of damage caused by homicidal crude bomb blasts is an uncommon and emerging entity, the knowledge of which is essential to answer the medicolegal query in these cases. Case Presentation: In a small village in eastern India, a crude bomb was thrown at a middle-aged man during an argu ment, resulting in an explosion that caused bodily injuries. The patho-mechanics of the injuries held to reach to the conclusion regarding event reconstruction, the victim’s proximity to the explosive material at the moment of detonation, alongside comprehensive evidence collection, which is presented in this paper. Conclusion: This study shows that forensic teams must be extremely precise when examining injuries and gathering evidence. If they aren’t, a crime like murder or terrorism could easily be mistaken for an accident. Careful evidence col lection is key for police and security agencies to find the guilty parties and stop similar events.
Unravelling Venom: Histopathological Changes After Snake Envenomation
This case study presents a detailed clinical account of a patient suffering from Snakebite envenoming (SBE), outlining the clinical symptoms, diagnostic approaches, focusing on histopathological changes seen in such cases. Histopathological changes following snake envenomation are crucial for understanding the mechanisms of venom toxicity and developing effective therapeutic interventions. These changes vary depending on the snake species, the venom composition, and the envenomation site. Locally, venom induces tissue necrosis, myonecrosis, and haemorrhage often accompanied by inflammation, vascular damage, and edema. In skeletal muscles, histological observations frequently reveal degeneration, loss of myofibers, and infiltration of inflammatory cells. Venom’s proteolytic enzymes—particularly metallopro teinases—contribute significantly to the degradation of tissue and basement membranes, further exacerbating damage. Systemically, snake venom can target multiple organs, with histopathological changes observed in the liver, kidney, heart, and lungs. Hepatic injury often manifests as hepatocyte degeneration, sinusoidal congestion, and vacuolization. Renal histopathology shows acute tubular necrosis, glomerular damage, and interstitial inflammation—often a result of ven om-induced hemolysis, myoglobinuria, or direct nephrotoxic effects. Cardiotoxicity is evidenced by myocardial fiber damage, interstitial oedema, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Additionally, in pulmonary tissues, venom can lead to alveolar hemorrhage, congestion, and inflammation. These changes are further amplified by coagulopathies, dissem inated intravascular coagulation (DIC), and immune responses triggered by venom components. Understanding the histopathological changes not only highlights the mechanisms of venom toxicity but also aids in the development of antivenoms and adjunct therapies aimed at mitigating local and systemic damage.
Spontaneous Non-Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage In Pre-Existing Hypertensive Patient - An Autopsy-Based Case Report
In north- eastern states high intake of salt and social acceptance for the use of tobacco lead to hypertension, atheroscle rosis and development of renal stones which ultimately increases chances for the intra-cerebral hemorrhage. Intracranial hemorrhage or stroke is one the leading cause of premature deaths in northeastern states. A 54year old male deceased, was brought with history of scuffle. On clinical examination, MRI showed intraparenchymal bleed of size approximately 18 x 49 x 65 mm in right hemisphere and extending up to midbrain and pons. History of scuffle was ruled out on metic ulous post-mortem examination by confirming findings of MRI with findings of intra-ventricular hematoma and liq uefactive necrosis was present at midbrain and pons region. This study explored non-traumatic brain hemorrhage as a cause of death in sudden and unexpected deaths without any prior evidence of any significant illnesses which could easily have been misinterpreted as trauma to head. It has been evident that hypertension in north-eastern population is higher due to lifestyle and food-habits. To the best of our knowledge, an Autopsy based study on Non-traumatic Intracranial Haemorrhage has not yet been published from North – Eastern region of India.
Utilizing PMCT Angiography In Augmenting The Role Of Virtual Autopsy In A Case Of Sudden Cardiac Death
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) refers to the unexpected death of an individual occurring within one hour of symptom onset or within 24 hours of last being seen in good health if the death is unwitnessed. Since virtual autopsy is finding its way globally, the applications of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) in cases of sudden cardiac death, which forensic pathologists frequently encounter, should be fostered and further developed. This case report discusses the sudden death of a 60-year-old male who had an acute on chronic infarct in the left ventricle and multiple foci of calcifications in the coronary arteries and the aorta. Though coronary and aortic calcifications were clearly visualised by PMCT, the critical patency of the lumen at the site of occlusion and the myocardial pathology could not be adequately visualised. PMCT angiography (PMCTA) was performed subsequently, which provided excellent visualisation of the luminal patency of coronary vessels, thereby augmenting the efficiency and diagnostic yield of virtual autopsy. Additionally, in resource-lim ited settings like India, where cost-effectiveness is a major factor, barium-based contrast agents have been tried in this case as an alternative to Iohexol (iodine-based agents), and the challenges faced in such scenarios are also comprehen sively discussed with a forward-looking perspective on future improvements.
Vecuronium bromide: preferred suicidal drug among medical professionals – a case report
We report a case of suicidal death due to self-administration of intravenous vecuronium bromide by a nursing student. Toxicological analysis confirmed the presence of vecuronium bromide. Postmortem findings, toxicological analysis, and crime scene investigation indicated a suicidal manner of death, with the cause attributed to respiratory paralysis resulting from vecuronium injection. Skeletal muscle relaxants act either peripherally at the neuromuscular junction or centrally on the cerebrospinal axis to reduce muscle tone. Neuromuscular blocking agents are commonly used in general anesthesia during surgery to induce muscle relaxation. Centrally acting muscle relaxants are primarily used for treating painful muscle spasms and spastic neurological disorders.
Hen Bite- Induced Sepsis: An Unforeseen Lethal Outcome- A Rare Case Report
Introduction: Avian bites, though uncommon, can lead to severe or even life-threatening consequences. Birds can trans mit harmful microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida, through their beaks and talons, potentially leading to sepsis. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection that can cause organ failure and death if untreated. Other serious infections, such as cellulitis, abscess, and septicaemia, can also arise, characterized by systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, and cardiovascular instability. Case Details: We present a rare case of sepsis following a hen bite in a 60-year-old female. The patient developed severe septic shock after being bitten on the right forearm, experiencing significant swelling and episodes of fever. Cellulitis was observed in the affected area, and further assessment confirmed sepsis, acute kidney injury, tachycardia, and tachypnoea. Discussion: Delayed presentation and inadequate initial treatment contributed to the fatal outcome, emphasizing the need for public awareness and education on proper wound care and hygiene following such incidents. Conclusion: Hen bite-induced sepsis, while rare, can be lethal. This case underscores the importance of prompt recogni tion and aggressive management of avian bites, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Despite advances in medical care, sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
A Case Series On Fatal Self-Inflicted Cut Throat Injuries Reported At An Autopsy Centre Of An Apex Hospital Of West-Bengal, India
Of the various methods adopted for committing suicide, suicide by inflicting cut throat injuries are painful, hence rare. Fatal cut throat injuries are mostly homicidal. In cases of fatal cut throat injuries, findings noted over neck and body does not conclusively determine the manner of death. Features classically present in suicidal cut-throat injuries may be present in homicides and vice-versa. Thus, they may be misleading or confusing. In such cases the findings of the Postmortem examination alone are insufficient to opine whether the death is suicidal or homicidal. Hence, along with the postmortem report of the victim, reports of police inquest, on the circumstances, mental state and relevant history of the victim are important considerations. Corroborating the wound with the recovered weapon, report of the Forensic Science Laboratory on the place of occurrence and on the materials preserved during Autopsy should be incorporated to form a conclusive opinion on the cause and manner of death in cases of fatal cut-throat injuries. A series of three such rare cases, has been illustrated. Diverse aspects of medicolegal investigation that ultimately led to forming a conclusive opinion on the manner of death has been described. This series of cut-throat injuries demonstrates the importance of inclusion of all aspects of forensic investigation to conclude on the suicidal manner of death.