An Audit of Homicidal Deaths in Interior of Sindh: A Multicentre Experience.

Abstract

Objectives: 1, To know frequency of homicidal deaths in Shaheed Benazirabad & Sukkur 2. To observe the gender and age group mostly involved 3. To ascertain the most commonly weapon used, & parts of body involved 4. To determine seasonal trend if any occurring such cases. Study Design: Cross sectional study Place & Duration: The study was conducted in the departments of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, PUMHSW, Nawabshah, Shaheed Benazirabad & GMMMC Sukkur, from 1st January 2008 to 31' December 2010. Material & Methods: This study is a retrospective research examining the 120 cases of medicolegal autopsies. Among these 90 cases determined to be homicidal were taken into the scope ofthis study. The male & female ratio was 3:1. The information was gathered from police inquest and other record. The cases were grouped on the basis of age, sex and causative agent and part of body involved having fatal injuries and the season in which the incidence took place. The data were recorded on a proforma, the results were tabulated and statistically analyzed. Result: Among 120 medicolegal autopsies 90 (75%) were determined to be homicidal during the study period. The majority of victims of homicide (44.4%) were found to be in third decade of age followed by fourth, fifth and second decade (22.2%, 11.1% and 7.8%) respectively. The majority of homicides were committed with firearms including 30 cases in males and 10 cases in females, followed by sharp weapon and blunt means 16 & 11 cases respectively in males. The strangulation was noted in 4 cases in female after firearm weapon. The maximum number of cases was found to be in summer season with the involvement of chest and head as primary target organs.