Study of Ligature Marks in Asphyxial Deaths

Background: The ligature mark in case of asphyxia death is an important part in the investigation. The correlation of external and internal findings helps to identify the different facts in case. The purpose of this research is to study the ligature marks in asphyxial deaths. Method: The observational descriptive study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, The Oxford Medical College and Research Centre, Bangalore to study the ligature marks in asphyxia deaths among 100 autopsy cases received during the time period of one year. The details about the victims regarding the circumstances of death, type of ligature material, manner and apparent cause of death was recorded. Results were analyzed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Out of all the age groups maximum cases were in the group of 21 to 30 years (38%) and 31 to 40 years (25%). 66% cases were male and 34% were female. The cause of death in most cases was due to hanging (a) complete (52%) (b) partial (32%) and strangulation (16%). Encircling of mark around the neck was complete in 68% cases and incomplete in 32% of cases. Level of mark at neck was above the level of thyroid-cartilage in 68% cases, at the level in 23% cases and below the level in 9% cases. Direction of marks was oblique in 94% cases and transverse in 6% cases. Deep impression was found in 49% cases, prominent in 45% cases and faint in 6% cases. Continuous marks were found in 95% cases and intermittent in 5% cases. Parchmentization was present in 94% cases and absent in 6% cases. Conclusion: The results emphasise the significance of a thorough post-mortem examination in uncovering the intricacies underlying these unfortunate events, providing guidance to forensic specialists and judicial authorities in making precise conclusions.