Medicolegal autopsy analysis during Covid-19 pandemic in India

Medicolegal autopsy analysis is an integral part of a forensic investigation. Therefore, it is of interest to document the impact of COVID-19 on autopsy analysis. Hence, a total of 1,569 medicolegal autopsies were analysed. Data shows only 6.37% autopsy were conducted during lockdown while it is 93.63% in the unlock phase, indicating significant disruption in forensic services. The pandemic significantly altered the pattern and volume of medicolegal autopsies, with reduced cases during lockdown and a surge post-lockdown, particularly from respiratory, cardiac, suicidal and trauma-related deaths. Shifts in age distribution and operational delays highlight the broader impact on forensic services, underscoring the need for adaptable protocols and integrated public health responses during emergencies.