Suicidal Hanging: A Taboo

Abstract

Introduction: Suicidal hanging is defined as a form of asphyxial death produced by the body being self-suspended
by a ligature material around the neck, with the body’s weight serving as the compression force around the neck.
The most common method of self-suspension involves attaching the suspending material to a high point and the
lower end may be formed into a fixed loop or running knot and is placed around the neck.
Materials and Methods: Data of postmortem examination during period of 3 years were analysed retrospectively.
Out of these total 3325 autopsies, 204 cases were found to be of hanging-suicidal cases. Cases were classified
according to their age groups, gender, marital status, type of ligature material used and reason for committing
suicide etc.
Results: Out of total 204 deaths, 71% deaths due to hanging were seen in males. Nearly half of deaths (48.0%)
belong to age group of 30-39 years. Majority (61.3%) deceased persons were married. About 46.6% had used the
dupatta for committing the event which was followed by saari, nylon wire, ropes, lungi and others as a tool. Half
of suicide (50.0%) was carried out due to the social issues. Pattern found of having bruises in 25.5% deaths.
Conclusion: This study reported 6.1% prevalence of suicidal hanging. Suicidal hanging was more common in the
male population and among married young adults. Dupatta was a common ligature material. One of the leading
reasons of suicide is social issue.