Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology is a double-blind peer reviewed international journal. The journal deals with Forensic Medicine, Forensic Science, Toxicology, DNA fingerprinting, sexual medicine, environmental medicine, Forensic Pathology, legal medicine and public health laws. It has been assigned International standard serial No. p-0973-9122 and e-0973-9130. The Journal has been assigned RNI No. DELENG/2008/21789.The journal is also abstracted in Chemical Abstracts (CAS) database. The journal is indexed with Google Scholar, Scili,EBSCOhost (USA),Embase (upto Jan 2025) and many other international databases. This is an open access journal which means that all content is freely available without charge to the user or his/her institution. Users are allowed to read, download, copy, distribute, print, search, or link to the full texts of the articles, or use them for any other lawful purpose, without asking prior permission from the publisher or the author. This is in accordance with the BOAI definition of open access.
Institute of Medico-legal Publications Pvt Ltd
Evaluating 7.5 M Ammonium Acetate for the Extraction of DNA from Degraded Saliva Samples: A Comprehensive Forensic Evaluation
Recovering DNA from environmentally degraded biological samples remains one of the most persistent challenges in forensic science. Saliva, though highly valuable as a source of epithelial cells, is frequently exposed to detrimental environmental factors that accelerate chemical, enzymatic, and structural DNA degradation. This study thoroughly investigates the effectiveness of a 7.5 M ammonium acetate-based extraction protocol for the recovery of usable DNA from saliva subjected to controlled UV radiation, thermal degradation, and sodium hypochlorite exposure. DNA yield and purity were assessed using NanoDrop spectrophotometry, and STR profiling was performed using the VeriFiler™ Express PCR Amplification Kit. Results demonstrated that although degradation significantly impacted nucleic acid concentration and purity, amplifiable DNA was recovered, producing partial to near-complete STR profiles. These findings indicate that ammonium acetate precipitation is a cost-effective, non-toxic alternative for resource-limited laboratories, with important implications for forensic casework involving compromised biological evidence.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ashble Vailankanni Fernandes, Sasitaran Iyavoo https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Near-Hanging in a Tertiary Care Hospital attached to a Medical College: A Ten-Year Retrospective Analysis of Demography, Prognostic Indicators, and Immediate Outcomes (2012–2021)
Background: Near-hanging is frequently reported in trauma and emergency, compelling immediate treatment and forensic intervention. Early predictors of outcome help guide clinical and medico-legal decisions. Aim: To study demographic attributes and prognostic implications of Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) at admission in near-hanging cases over ten years. Materials and Methods: A retrospective observational study of 71 consecutive near-hanging patients admitted alive between January 2012 and December 2021 was conducted. Variables included age, gender, admission GCS, and outcome (survived/expired). Results: The mean age was 32.1 years. Young adults (21–30 years) constituted 36.6% of cases. Males accounted for 54.9%. Overall survival was 54.9% and mortality 45.1%. Patients with GCS ≤8 on admission had significantly higher mortality (χ² = 12.84; p < 0.01). Conclusion: Near-hanging predominantly affects young adults. Admission GCS is a statistically significant predictor of mortality. Early neurological assessment and aggressive emergency care are crucial.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shodhan Rao Pejavar, Tanush Shetty, Rashmi R Aithal, Arun Pinchu Xavier, Austoria A J, Radhakrishna Shetty Kommanda, Francis Nanda Prakash Monteiro https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Identification of an Unknown Poison in Pharmaceutical Formulations – A Forensic Study of Culpable Homicide Case
Homicide, the intentional killing of one person by another occur for a variety of reasons, might be because of personal conflicts, domestic violence, revenge, financial gain, gang-related disputes. Most commonly encountered ways are using one’s body parts as weapon, firearms in gun-prevalent societies, sharp objects like knives or machetes, blunt force trauma using bats or hammers, strangulation, poisoning, drowning, vehicular homicide, arson, and even explosives in cases of targeted killings or terrorism. Mixing of poison in food or water is an age old technique followed from ancient times to kill enemies for acquiring kingdom or personal gains. In recent times, mixing of poison in medicines is also practiced to commit homicide. A case was registered in Srikakulam District of Andhra Pradesh State, where the perpetrator followed the same technique by mixing unknown poison in pharmaceutical formulations (syrup and eye drops) in disguise of free distribution of covid medicines. A high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and UV-Visible spectrophotometer (UV-Vis) was used for the separation and identification of poison present in the pharmaceutical formulations seized in the crime scene. It was confirmed that Paraquat a herbicide poison was found in the seized material objects. The described HPTLC method can be used routinely in the forensic science laboratories for identification of Paraquat not only in pharmaceutical formulations but also in the viscera samples.
Copyright (c) 2026 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Cross-sectional Study of Unnatural Deaths in BTGH KALABURGI.
This study was conducted in department of forensic medicine and toxicology,Basaweshwar teaching and general hospital attached to M R Medical College Kalaburgi to determine the incidence,pattern, modes and manner of unnatural deaths. Total number of unnatural deaths studied were 230. There were 144(62.6%)cases of unnatural deaths in case of males and 86(37.39%) in females.Maximum no. of unnatural deaths was seen in the age group of 21-30yrs(38.2%), followed by 31- 40yrs(18.69%).Majority of the cases were accidental 123(53.4%) cases followed by suicidal 79(34.34%)cases and homicidal 28(12.17%) cases. There were 109(47.39%)cases of road traffic accidents, 54(23.47%) cases of burns &47(20.43%) cases of poisoning. Unnatural deaths in females were mainly suicidal, where as in case of males deaths were accidental. Majority of unnatural death victims were from rural area (57.82%).
Drowning Patterns in Saurashtra Region- a Retrospective Study
Drowning is one of form of mechanical asphyxia. It is major contributor of deaths in India and worldwide. Total 38,503 people died in India due to drowning in 2022. Gujarat reported 1959 deaths due to drowning in 2022. According to WHO approximately 300000 people died in year 2021. The study was conducted in one year duration from January 2024 to December 2024 in forensic medicine and toxicology department of Shree M. P. Shah Government medical college and Guru Gobindsingh Government Hospital, Jamnagar, Gujarat, India. Total 64 cases of drowning were reported. In this study, male deaths were 84.37%; Age group of the 21-30 years contributing 25% of total cases; 60.94% cases were married; maximum cases belonged to Hindu community and rural area; most of cases reported in rainy season.
Tramadol dependence and withdrawal syndrome: A Case report
Tramadol is a synthetic analgesic that appears to have two mechanisms of action: a reuptake inhibition of serotonin and noradrenaline and a weak μ-opioid receptor agonism. Even though its potential for abuse is well reported, the drug is readily available off on the market and is not regarded as a controlled substance in many nations, in contrast to the majority of other opioids. The patient in this case report developed severe tramadol dependence after taking large doses of the drug to treat his musculoskeletal pain. We suggest that It should be made a controlled substance at the administrative levels due to the possibility of dependence and severe withdrawal symptoms.
Copyright (c) 2026 Arun Ashokan, C Sreekanth https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Paraquat Poisoning with Negative chemical Analysis - Forensic Value of Gross Autopsy Findings in the Pancreas
A middle-aged male, farmer by occupation, presented with respiratory distress and severe vomiting following the ingestion of herbicide, which was paraquat. He deteriorated to metabolic acidosis and acute kidney injury and died on day three after ingestion. The toxicological study of viscera was negative, probably as a result of the rapid clearance of paraquat in tissues. Autopsy showed haemorrhagic foci in the stomach, foci under the cap of liver, haemorrhage of the lungs and significant pancreatic haemorrhage, which is a rare observation in paraquat poisoning. Hepatic steatosis, acute tubular necrosis and pancreatic haemorrhage were confirmed through histopathology reports. The pancreatic haemorrhage can be used as new forensic evidence of systemic paraquat toxicity and this makes it crucial that medicolegal studies should be carried out to verify such findings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Elakkiyan S, B Suresh Kumar Shetty, Mayur Sudhir Balbudhe, Sujay V K, Manik Kandpal https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prospective Study of Sudden Natural Deaths in Young and Middle Age Group at Tertiary Care Hospital, Surat, Gujarat.
In the post–COVID-19 pandemic period, an increasing number of sudden deaths have been observed, particularly among young and middle-aged individuals in India. This trend has created a major challenge for the healthcare system in understanding the underlying pathological mechanisms responsible for such unexpected fatalities. Sudden deaths frequently generate public concern, medicolegal scrutiny, and allegations, making accurate determination of the cause of death essential. A prospective study on sudden natural deaths was carried out at a tertiary care hospital in Surat from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024. The study demonstrated that most sudden deaths occurred in adults, with a higher incidence among individuals above 30 years of age. A clear male predominance was noted, with a male-to-female ratio of 6:1. cardiovascular diseases were identified as the leading cause of sudden natural deaths, accounting for 42.72% of cases. Respiratory system diseases were the second most common cause, contributing to 36.89% of deaths. These findings emphasize the significant contribution of cardiovascular pathology to sudden deaths in the adult population. The study also highlighted the importance of histopathological examination in establishing the definitive cause of death. Histopathology played a crucial role in correlating clinical history and autopsy findings, thereby improving diagnostic accuracy and strengthening medicolegal conclusions. Hence, comprehensive autopsy evaluation supported by histopathological analysis is vital in cases of sudden natural death.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hemal Patel, Pranav Prajapati, Sandip Raloti https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Venomous Remedy: A Case of Sodium Thio Sulfate and Methylene Blue Poisoning
Deliberate self-poisoning by ingestion of chemicals used for agriculture, insecticides and disinfectants used in houses is a common modality of poisoning across the globe. Poisoning by tablets containing sodium thiosulfate and methylene blue used as water purifying agent (both compounds are used for treatment of cyanide poisoning) is rare. Here we report clinical profile, relevant laboratory investigations and management of a rare case of sodium thiosulfate and methylene blue poisoning(a first case of dual ingestion poisoning with above mentioned chemical and pubmed has little case report on such poisoning).
Copyright (c) 2026 Binod Biswajeet Rout, Poonam Raj, Vishal Singh, Vikas Marwah, Renubala Pradhan https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Choking is a form of asphyxia in which the internal airways are obstructed. Most cases of choking are accidental and often involve physically compromised or intoxicated people, often eating inappropriate foods or eating too quickly. Here, we are discussing a case of infant death on his first flight to Bangalore. A normal child with no previous history of diseases became unconscious and died. The autopsy revealed that cause of death is choking due to aspiration of milk. Lack of awareness, feeding a child in a hurry, and cramped flight seating arrangements will lend itself to dangerous positioning for breastfeeding and can result in choking.
Copyright (c) 2026 Anwar K A, Aditya Kidiyoor https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Retrospective Study of Sudden Death in Medico-Legal Autopsies
Background: Death is considered sudden or unexpected when a person not known to be suffering from any dangerous disease, injury, or poisoning is found dead or dies within 24 hours after the onset of terminal illness, as per the WHO definition. In such cases, an autopsy plays a crucial role in determining the exact cause of death and helps the bereaved relatives rule out any suspicion of foul play. The present study aims to analyse the age, sex and system-wise distribution of causes of sudden death. Methodology: - This retrospective study was carried out at a tertiary care hospital, from 1st January 2023 to 31st December 2023. We reviewed autopsy reports and inquest papers and documented demographic details and cause of death. The data was analyzed statistically. Observation: During the study period, a total of 556(24.7%) sudden death cases were recorded out of 2246 medico-legal autopsies. Most of the sudden deaths (82.7%) were observed in the 31- 60 years of age group with a male-to-female ratio of 3:2. The most common system involved in sudden death was the cardiovascular system (64%) followed by the respiratory system (23%), gastrointestinal system (10%) and CNS (3%). In the cardiovascular system, coronary artery disease (79.5%) was the leading cause of death.
Copyright (c) 2026 Bhavesh Anil Surkar, Santosh Bhoi , Manu Yadav, Rizwan Kamle, Naresh Zanjad https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Medico-Legal Aspects of Road Traffic Accidents in the Intensive Care Unit of Heinrich Lübke Hospital, Diourbel (Senegal)
Introduction: Road traffic accidents (RTAs) are a major global public health concern, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Their human, economic, and medico-legal consequences remain considerable. This study aimed to analyze the medico-legal aspects of deaths resulting from RTAs in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of Heinrich Lübke Hospital in Diourbel, Senegal. Objective: To assess the epidemiological, injury-related, and medico-legal characteristics of RTA-related deaths in a regional ICU. Methods: We conducted a retrospective, descriptive, and analytical study of 52 deaths resulting from RTAs recorded in the ICU of Heinrich Lübke Hospital, Diourbel, between January 2020 and December 2024. Data were collected from medical records and analyzed according to sociodemographic variables, accident circumstances, types of injuries, and medico-legal management. Results: Most victims were male (82.7%, n=43), with a sex ratio of 4.8. The median age was 36.2 years (range: 6–72), and 34.6% were under 20 years old. The majority resided in urban areas (73%) and had an occupation (62%). Collisions between vehicles were the leading mechanism (42.3%), with motorcycles involved in 48.1% of cases. Passengers accounted for 51.9% of victims, followed by pedestrians (30.8%). Polytrauma was predominant (57.7%), with cranioencephalic injuries in 82.7% of cases. Death occurred most often within the first week of hospitalization (34.6%). Only 21.2% of victims underwent external examination or autopsy. Conclusion: Road traffic accidents remain a leading cause of mortality among young adults in Senegal, dominated by fatal head injuries. The limited number of medico-legal autopsies restricts the understanding of the real causes of death. Strengthening road safety prevention, improving pre-hospital care, and systematically enforcing medicolegal procedures are essential to reduce mortality and improve forensic rigor in Senegal.
Copyright (c) 2026 E. H. O. NDOYE, M. A. TOURE, T.M .C. DIALLO, M. M. SOUMAH https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Erratum to: Applications of Reverse Panoramic Radiography for Age and Gender Determination – A Radiographic Study, Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Vol. 15, No. 3, July–September 2021.
https://medicopublication.com/index.php/ijfmt/article/view/15315 In the above-mentioned article, Figure 1 (Anatomic parts of the lambdoid suture) was adapted from the following source: Sunira Chandra, Shweta Dwivedy, Kunal Sah, Shruti Sinha. Application of modified reverse panoramic radiograph on lambdoid suture for age estimation. Quant Imaging Med Surg. 2015;5(4):519–523. doi:10.3978/j.issn.2223-4292.2015.04.02 The figure credit was inadvertently omitted in the original publication. The authors regret this oversight and wish to give due acknowledgment to the original authors. The image in question should be correctly attributed to Dr. Shweta Dwivedy et al., as cited above. We request that readers be informed accordingly. The correct citation is mentioned below Chandra S, Dwivedy S, Sah K, Sinha S. Application of modified reverse panoramic radiograph on lambdoid suture for age estimation. Quant Imaging Med Surg. 2015;5(4):519–523. Retroactive permission to use the image was sought from and granted by Editorial office, Quantitative Imaging in Medicine and Surgery The authors affirm their commitment to upholding ethical standards in academic publishing and sincerely apologize for this unintentional error. Measures have been taken to ensure that such an oversight does not recur in future publications. Authors: Dr Mahima V Guledgud, Corresponding author
Copyright (c) 2025 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Applicability of Suchey–Brooks Method of Age Estimation from Pubic Symphysis in a North Karnataka Population: A Prospective Study
Background: Age estimation is a critical component of forensic identification. The Suchey–Brooks method, widely used for age estimation from the pubic symphyseal surface, is based on a population sample from North America. Its applicability to the Indian population, particularly in North Karnataka, requires validation. Objective: To evaluate the applicability and reliability of the Suchey–Brooks method in age estimation from the pubic symphysis in individuals from the Belagavi region. Methods: This prospective study was conducted on 175 cadavers brought for medicolegal autopsy at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Belgaum Institute of Medical Sciences, Belagavi, from 01/01/2018 to 31/12/2018. Pubic symphyses were harvested from cadavers meeting defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Age was estimated using the Suchey–Brooks phase method and compared with the known chronological age of the deceased. Morphological parameters such as relief of the symphyseal surface, delimitation, presence of a symphyseal rim, and pubic tubercle development were assessed. Results: All six phases of the Suchey–Brooks method were represented in the study sample. A good correlation was observed between the estimated and actual chronological ages in both males and females, particularly in phases 1 to 4. Accuracy diminished in phases 5 and 6, where significant overlap in age ranges was noted. The method was most reliable in individuals up to 30 years of age. Sex-specific application showed comparable performance across both sexes, with minor variability in morphological features. Conclusion: The Suchey–Brooks method is applicable and reliable for age estimation in the North Karnataka population, particularly in individuals younger than 30 years. While it can be used in both sexes, caution should be exercised when applying it to older age groups (phases 5 and 6), where morphological changes show less correlation with chronological age.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shruti N Malagar , Hari Prasad V, Ashok Kumar M , Ashok Kumar Shetty https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Unraveling the Pathology of the Rare Marburg Virus Disease ThroughAutopsy: A Case Report
Marburg virus disease is a rare, highly infectious, and fatal illness with limited autopsy-based studies. This case report details the autopsy findings of a woman who died of Marburg virus disease, offering valuable insights into the pathogenesis of the disease and its effects on various organ systems. The patient initially presented with fever, nausea, joint pain, and fatigue, which rapidly progressed to multiorgan failure and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy. Autopsy revealed extensive hemorrhagic manifestations, including ecchymoses, purpura, and petechiae, on both external and internal surfaces. Significant hemorrhagic effusions were observed in the body cavities, and multiple organs showed signs of congestion, hemorrhage, and edema.This case report contributes to the limited autopsy-based literature on Marburg virus disease, emphasizing the importance of considering it in the differential diagnosis of febrile illnesses in endemic areas and the need for further comprehensive autopsy studies to guide targeted interventions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gebremariam Tewelemedhin Gebremariam, Charles Karangwa, Innocent Nkurunziza https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Prospective Autopsy based Study on Estimation of Sex from the Sternal Parameters at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy
In forensic medicine, anthropological investigation and the identification of skeletal remains and the method to be employed for this purpose are always important. However, the partial or total destruction of long bones reduces the possibility of successful identification. Sternum resists the effects of putrefaction and decomposition for a long period of time. The present study was conducted to analyze the correlation between the sex and various measurements of the sternum. Aim and Objectives: To determine sex of an individual from the sternal measurements. Materials and Methods: The data for this particular study was collected from the medicolegal autopsy cases conducted at Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital, Trichy. 150 intact sternums belonging to both the sexes aged more than1 year and less than 40 years was taken as the study material. Result: It was established that a subject may be male if the following conditions are present- The sternum’s body is longer than 9.3 cms or more, Manubrium length is larger than 4.65 cms or more, the sternal index is 48.9 or less and the overall sternum is longer than 14.25cms or more. If the following conditions are present, a subject may be female - The sternum’s body is lesser than 9.3cms, Manubrium length is lesser than 4.6 cms, the sternal index is 49 and more and the overall sternum is lesser than 14.25cms. Conclusion: In our study, the length of body of sternum can be taken as the most reliable sternal parameter for determining the sex followed by the total sternal length. All the sternal parameters except the sternal index were on the higher limits for males.
Exploring Microscopic and Spectroscopic Techniques in Forensic Hair Analysis: A Comprehensive Review
Background: Hair assists as crucial evidence in any forensic investigations that has strong ability to link suspects to crime scenes or victims. One of the most traditional methods of forensic hair examination is microscopy which aids in morphological examination. However, with advent of more advanced techniques such as spectroscopy, deciphering the chemical and structural information. In view to this, the present review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of both microscopic and spectroscopic methods employed in forensic hair analysis. Methodology: A systematic search was performed in the ScienceDirect and R-Discovery databases. Research articles published between time period 2014-2025 were included in the review. The identification phase yielded 2,399 records from ScienceDirect and R-Discovery databases. After removing 4 duplicates, 2,335 records remained. Following title and abstract review, 2,189 were excluded, leaving 146 for full-text retrieval. After assessment, 39 articles were included in the review. Conclusion: This review provides a concise overview of microscopic and spectroscopic techniques used for human hair analysis, along with a discussion of the advantages and limitations of each approach.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gunashree B S, Suchita Rawat, Shri Lakshmi K, Keerthana T https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Prospective Autopsy Study of Hanging Deaths Among Individuals Aged 15–60 Years at Tirunelveli Medical College
Background: Hanging is one of the most common methods of suicide worldwide, posing significant forensic and medico-legal concerns. This study aims to analyze autopsy findings in hanging cases, focusing on ligature marks, types of hanging, and knot positions. Methods: This prospective observational descriptive autopsy-based study was conducted over one year at Tirunelveli Government Hospital, Tamil Nadu. A total of 150 cases of hanging were examined. A purposive sampling method was used, including individuals aged 15-60 years. Detailed autopsy findings, including ligature material, neck compression patterns, and other forensic parameters, were recorded and analyzed. Results: The study provides insights into the distribution of hanging cases concerning age, gender, type of hanging, ligature material used, and knot positioning. The forensic observations contribute to understanding the trends and medico-legal implications associated with hanging deaths. Conclusion: The findings emphasize the need for awareness and preventive measures to address suicide by hanging. This study
A Study on Profile of Death due to Hanging in Jamnagar Region
Death due to Hanging is the commonest unnatural death encountered by forensic experts. Hanging is the most common method of committing suicide and ending one’s life. To know the burden of a suicide due to hanging in society, a retrospective study was conducted in Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Shri M P Shah Government Medical College and Guru Gobind singh Government Hospital, Jamnagar. Total number of 224 cases of hanging was studied during the period of one year from the December-2023 to January-2023 in this study. The data like age, sex, religion, ligature material etc. was collected and analysed. According to this study, 224 people died due to hanging out of 1231 post-mortem performed in one year period time in the Forensic Medicine and Toxicology Department, Jamnagar. Male predominance was seen in this study which included 66.51% male,33.03% female and 1 case was from trans-gender. Maximum number of person died due to hanging was from the 21-30 years of age which is 41.52% of total cases. Total of 98.66% cases are in suicidal in nature in this study. Death due suicide is a major public health related issue in society. Death due the hanging is a partially preventable situation by proper education, guidance, counselling and seeking professional help early stage of stress.
Incidental Detection of Foreign Body (bezoar) inside the Stomach in Fatal Poisoning Cases: Reporting of a Series of Cases with Rare and Unusual Autopsy Findings
A bezoar is an accumulation of undigested foreign material in the gastrointestinal tract, which can lead to serious, life-threatening conditions. While bezoars are often associated with mental disorders such as pica, they are also found in individuals without such histories. In many cultures, including rural India, bezoars are believed to possess medicinal properties, such as the ability to neutralize poisons, including snake venom. Traditional healers, known as “Ojha,” use bezoars as a form of treatment despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting their efficacy. This case series presents two incidents where bezoars were discovered postmortem. The first case involves a 9-year-old boy who succumbed to snakebite poisoning, and the second case involves a 1-year 6-month-old child who died from paraquat poisoning. Both deaths occurred at a government hospital, and during the autopsy, bezoars were unexpectedly found in the stomachs of both individuals. This finding highlights the continued belief in the curative properties of bezoars despite their lack of medicinal value in modern medicine.
Concealment of Death in Blunt Thoracoabdominal Trauma
Introduction: Blunt thoracoabdominal trauma is a common and potentially fatal injury mechanism, often resulting from vehicular accidents, assaults, or workplace incidents. In certain cases, efforts are made to conceal the true cause of death by providing misleading histories, which poses a significant challenge for forensic investigation. Case Presentation: We report a case involving a 21-year-old male laborer found unresponsive in a factory premises. The initial history suggested a sudden cardiac death. However, detailed postmortem examination revealed multiple rib fractures, massive hemothorax, and lacerations of the liver and spleen, confirming death due to blunt thoracoabdominal trauma. The findings were incompatible with the alleged history, indicating an attempted concealment of the actual cause of death. Discussion: This case highlights the forensic significance of discordant clinical histories and autopsy findings. Literature indicates that blunt force trauma, particularly involving noncompressible torso hemorrhage, remains a leading cause of early trauma-related mortality. Concealed homicides involving blunt trauma have been documented, emphasizing the need for systematic and multidisciplinary evaluation. Autopsy findings such as internal hemorrhage, organ laceration, and absence of external injuries must be carefully interpreted in such contexts. Conclusion: This report highlights the indispensable role of forensic pathology in identifying concealed deaths due to blunt trauma. Accurate determination of cause and manner of death is essential not only for legal accountability but also for ensuring justice in cases where initial narratives are misleading
Studies on Diatom Diversity of Various Water Bodies ofThe State Tripura (India) for Forensic Analysis
Diatoms are unicellular algae characterized by their unique silica frustules, inhabiting a variety of aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. They play a crucial role in forensic science, particularly in determining the cause and location of drowning deaths. Detection of diatoms in vital distant body organs can help establish if drowning occurred before death. In Tripura, a small hilly state in the north-east India, there is a significant annual incidence of drowning cases with no existing diatom database. A recent study conducted across four out of eight districts of Tripura, aims to establish a comprehensive diatomological database to aid forensic experts in drowning investigations. The study identified 74 species of diatoms belonging to 34 genera and 22 families under 11 orders of the class Bacillariophyceae across different districts with some species common among all districts, while others are exclusive to specific regions, showcasing a diverse range of diatoms. Among them, there are 11 species from both the Bacillariaceae and Naviculaceae families, 8 from Gomphonemataceae, 7 from Fragilariaceae, 5 from Pinnulariaceae, and 4 each from Achnanthidiaceae, Cymbellaceae, and Sellaphoraceae, along with 2 species each from Aulacoseiraceae, Catenulaceae, Diadesmidaceae, Pleurosigmataceae, Stephanodiscaceae, and Rhopalodiaceae, and 1 species each from the families Achnanthaceae, Brachysiraceae, Eunotiaceae, Mastogloiaceae, Melosiraceae, Neidiaceae, Stauroneidaceae, and Surirellaceae. The West District recorded the highest diversity with 35 species, followed by Sepahijala with 30 species, Unakoti with 16 and Gomati with 14 species. Interestingly two species are of common occurrence among all the four districts, while some were exclusive to certain regions. Twenty-one species were exclusively found in the West district, where as, seventeen species were restricted only to the Sepahijala district. Likewise, ten species were limited to the Unakoti district and seven species were found solely in the Gomati district. Certain species are unique to specific regions, underscoring notable variations in diatom distribution across different water bodies. Moreover, this study adds 72 species to the previous record of 21 species of diatom recorded by Das et. al. in 2010. The diverse distribution of diatoms across various water bodies can help connect drowned individuals to specific sources of water. This information may be vital in determining the location of a drowning incident, thereby aiding in the resolution of drowning related mysteries.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sabyasachi Nath, Subhechha Satapathy https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Magnitude and Causes of Sudden Cardiac Death in Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital: A Retrospective Autopsy Study
Background: Sudden cardiac death poses a significant global health challenge; however, its extent and causes are not well documented in sub-Saharan Africa. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and underlying causes of sudden cardiac death at Ayder Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in Ethiopia's Tigray region. Methods: retrospective data of autopsy records spanning from January 2014 to December 2023 from the autopsy records was collected using standardized checklist .Demographic information, death circumstances, autopsy findings, and underlying causes of death were analyzed. Results: Among all autopsied cases, 4.91% were identified as sudden cardiac deaths, with a predominance of males and a median age of 49. The leading cause was atherosclerotic coronary artery narrowing, followed by hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). Atherosclerotic coronary artery disease was the main cause in individuals aged > 35 years, whereas hypertrophic cardiomyopathy was the most common cause in those aged ≤ 35 years. Conclusion: This study highlights the prevalence and causes of sudden cardiac death in Ethiopia's Tigray region. These findings underscore the necessity for enhanced interventions targeting cardiovascular risk factors, especially coronary artery disease and cardiomyopathy. Additionally, this study highlights the importance of improved autopsy practices and documentation to better comprehend and tackle the burden of sudden cardiac death in resource-constrained settings.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gebremariam Tewelemedhin Gebremariam, Assefa Ayalew Gebreslassie, Innocent Nkurunziza , Awol Yemane Legesse, David Ishimwe https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Assessment of the IrisPlex Markers in Order for Eye Color Prediction in Iran (Tehran) Population
Aim Today usually the crime scene is evaluated by using externally visible characteristics (EVCs) in forensic centers. EVCs such as eye color is a physical trait determined by feature the genetic of the iris. Evaluation of the accuracy of human, iris color prediction based on informative single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs) can provide a useful intelligence tool to identify the suspect. In our current research, we analyzed a six informative SNP marker (IrisPlex) (rs12896399 rs16891982, rs1393350, rs12203592, rs12913832, rs1800407) prediction of human eye color in 106 individuals of Iranian population with different ethnicity. We hypothesized that IrisPlex marker evaluations could be a considerable tool in eye color prediction. Hence, we performed this assessment for the first time in Iran. Methods Peripheral blood samples were collected from 106 unrelated donors with informed consent in ophthalmology clinic of Baqiyatallah hospital. We analyzed a six informative SNP (rs12896399 rs16891982, rs1393350, rs12203592, rs12913832, rs1800407) with single base extension (SBE) assay (SNaPshot). The multinomial regression prediction model was used for these informative SNPs, for this model we calculated sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the area under the receiver characteristic operating curves (AUC) to increase accuracy for eye color prediction. Results By Statistical analysis of logistic regression, the AUC value of IrisPlex markers was evaluated to determine eye color. AUC value for Dark eyes and blue eyes was 0.99 ± 0.0004 and 0.949 ± 0.0100 respectively and for intermediate eye colors was 0.9505 ± 0.017. Conclusion We conclude that accuracy of IrisPlex predictive SNPs was acceptable in our study. However, the mere IrisPlex markers are not enough and some additional markers should be evaluably to increase the accuracy of eye color prediction.
Copyright (c) 2026 Alireza Rafati, Hassan Zamanifar, Sayed Mostafa Hosseini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Evaluate 11 Plex SNPs of the MC1R Gene for Eye Color Prediction using the SNaPshot Technique in an Iranian Population
The most ambitious DNA phenotyping goal is forecasting a full face from a DNA sample. Over the last decade, GWAS and successive predictive analyses have discovered a multitude of EVC-predictive SNPs and predictive models, most particularly for human pigmentation features. IrisPlex, the first forensic eye color prediction system, was designed mainly to differentiate between blue and brown eyes, and its evolved version, the HirisPlex-S DNA testing method, predicts eye, hair, and skin color based on DNA traces. 59 DNA samples were examined using the Multiplex SnaPshot kit (Applied Biosystems) for the simultaneous detection of 11 SNPs (rs1805005, rs885479, rs11547464, rs185008, rs1805006, rs1805007, rs1805009, rs2228479, rs1110400) taken from a large-scale GWAS research. This study adopted the genotype identification of 11 Hirisplex system markers as a prediction model of eye color and hair color. Some of these variants (rs11547464, rs885479, rs1805005, rs2228479) were found to be relevant for anticipating eye and hair color, whereas others (rs1805008, rs1805006, rs1805007, rs1805009, rs1110400, Y1520CH, N29insA) were observed to be unacceptable because of low variation. The statistical data illustrated a substantial level of agreement between the statistical model and the actual eye color of the participants.
Copyright (c) 2026 Hassan Zamanifar, Alireza Rafati, Sara Hekmatshoar, Sayed Mostafa Hosseini https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Prevalence of Intimate Partner Violence and Associated Factors Among Antenatal Women: A Cross-Sectional Study
Intimate Partner Violence (IPV) is defined as any behaviour pattern observed in an intimate relationship that causes physical, mental, emotional, or sexual harm to one’s partner. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of IPV among pregnant women attending antenatal services. A non-experimental, descriptive survey was conducted involving pregnant women attending the OPD services at AIIMS Jodhpur. Data was collected through a self-administered questionnaire, comprising 200 pregnant women, of whom about 5.5% reported experiencing IPV. The majority (81%) reported physical violence and sexual abuse, 72.72% experienced a sense of threat and controlling behaviour from their partner, and 81% reported restricted access to antenatal care services. Further research should focus on identifying key factors affecting women and associated with IPV.
Copyright (c) 2026 Himanshu Vyas, Pratibha Singh, Arti, Hemlata, Inbarasi A, Jyoti, Ekta, Geeta Choudhary, Guddi Choudhary https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Review on Arrhythmias due to Snakebite
An estimated 1.8 to 2.5 million venomous snakebites occurworldwide each year and result in at least 100,000 to 125,000deaths. It is a public health problem particularly in tropical and subtropical regions. It is known that 4 species of snakes(Viperidae, Elapidae, Colubridae, and Lamprophiidae) are determined to cause harm to humans. Envenoming by these snake species may cause myocardial damage and electrocardiographic deterioration. Common manifestations of cardiovascular toxicity are acute myocardial infarction, electrocardiogramabnormalities and arrhythmias. In this narrative review, we aimed to conduct a comprehensive analysis of cardiovascular toxicity due to snake bite.
Copyright (c) 2026 Ali Kemal Erenler https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
Elevated Skull Fracture in a 15-Year-Old Following Bicycle Fall: A Rare Autopsy Case Report
Background: Elevated skull fractures are an extremely rare type of cranial injury, especially in the pediatric age group. They occur due to tangential blunt force trauma and differ markedly from more commonly encountered depressed or linear skull fractures. Case Description: We present a rare case of a 15-year-old male who sustained fatal head and thoracic injuries following a fall from a bicycle during rainy weather. He was conscious initially but later deteriorated and succumbed despite medical management. Autopsy revealed an unusual outward displacement of a segment of the parietal bone — an elevated skull fracture — with associated extradural and subdural hemorrhages, comminuted cranial fractures, and a penetrating chest injury involving the right lung. Conclusion: This case emphasizes the importance of recognizing elevated skull fractures as a distinct traumatic pattern. Proper documentation during autopsy can significantly aid in understanding injury dynamics, especially in pediatric accidental deaths.
Copyright (c) 2026 Kuntal Banerjee, Dibyakar Chettri, Rajib Prasad, Partha Sarathi Bhartacharyya, Rumi Maitra, Dinesh Ram, Thahsin https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Cyclist’s Catastrophe: An Unusual Case of Road Traffic Accident with A Unique body Trajectory of the Victim, and Associated Baffling Injuries, Defying Stereotypes
Introduction- Fatalities from road traffic accidents have resulted in loss of life and material resources. In India, 1374 accidents and 400 deaths take place every day, due to RTAs. Globally, RTA is the main cause of death among the 15–to 29-year-old population. Thus, all such cases must be meticulously studied to identify the mechanisms and causations to reduce such mischance. Case history- A young man, riding on a bicycle, was dashed to death by an unknown vehicle running perpendicular to its trajectory. He was declared brought dead by the EMO upon arrival in a tertiary care hospital. Accordingly, a post-mortem examination was conducted. Autopsy findings- On external examinations, rigor mortis was present. Multiple incised-looking lacerations were noted, including those in the scalp, and all over the face and neck, anterior chest wall, shoulders and upper extremities. On dissection, the base of the skull fractures and the combination of various intracranial haemorrhages were noted. The conspicuous finding was the presence of a very minimal number of abrasions over the body. Discussion and conclusion- The injuries, produced by unusual mechanics, baffled the autopsy surgeons by simulating multiple chop wounds. Reconstruction of the event with the help of information forwarded by the police and crime scene photographs solved the puzzle.
Copyright (c) 2026 Senjuti Ghosh, Chandan Bandyopadhyay https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0
A Demographic and Forensic Analysis of Thermal Burn Fatalities: An Autopsy-Based Study in Kolhapur District
Background: Thermal burns remain a major public health concern in developing countries, with significant mortality and medico-legal implications. Regional studies are essential for understanding the unique demographic and forensic patterns that influence outcomes. Objective: To analyze the demographic profile, manner of death, extent of burns, and survival patterns among thermal burn victims subjected to medicolegal autopsy in Kolhapur district. Methods: A retrospective observational study was conducted over a defined period, examining 475 autopsy cases of thermal burn deaths at a tertiary healthcare center in Kolhapur district. Data were analyzed for age, sex, total body surface area (TBSA) involved, manner of death, survival duration, seasonal trends, and urban-rural distribution. Results: Out of 475 cases, females accounted for 63.7% of burn deaths. The most affected age group was 21–30 years (31.7%). Accidental burns were the predominant manner of death (73.9%). TBSA involvement >80% was observed in 48% of cases. A majority of deaths occurred within 1–3 days post-injury. Rural areas and winter season showed a higher incidence. Conclusion: The study highlights a high prevalence of thermal burn deaths among young rural females in Kolhapur, often with extensive TBSA involvement and limited survival duration. These findings underscore the urgent need for improved burn prevention strategies, timely medical care, and region-specific public health interventions.
Copyright (c) 2025 N.S. Jagtap, M.M. Ghatage, Y.S. Thorat https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0