TANUJ KANCHAN | Manipal Academy of Higher Education (original) (raw)

Papers by TANUJ KANCHAN

Forensic Science International, 2010

Estimation of stature is an important parameter in identification of commingled, mutilated and sk... more Estimation of stature is an important parameter in identification of commingled, mutilated and skeletal remains in forensic examinations. Bilateral asymmetry is defined as the difference between the measurements of the left and right sides of the human body. While estimating stature from skeletal material as well as from body parts in forensic anthropology case work, asymmetry of the human body may result in erroneous estimates due to bilateral variations present in dimensions of the human body and bones. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate asymmetry in upper and lower extremity dimensions in a north Indian population and to see its effect on the estimation of stature from these dimensions. The study was based on a sample of right-handed 967 adult male Gujjars, an endogamous group of North India. Bilateral asymmetry was assessed in six limb dimensions i.e. total upper extremity length, upper arm length, forearm length, hand length, total lower extremity length and lower leg length using a paired t-test. The results indicated that statistical significant bilateral asymmetry exists in total upper extremity length, upper arm length, forearm length, total lower extremity length and lower leg length (p<0.01). Correlation coefficients of various dimensions of upper and lower extremities with stature were found to be highly significant (p<0.001). Regression equations were calculated for estimation of stature from these limb dimensions using both left and right sides. The study concludes that there is a higher possibility of obtaining erroneous results while estimating stature from those body dimensions which show statistically significant bilateral asymmetry when formula developed from one side is used on the other side. Although, there seems to be a little possibility of obtaining erroneous results while estimating stature from those body dimensions which showed statistically insignificant asymmetry, it is strongly recommended that the examiner must first identify the side to which the limb part or bone belongs to, and then apply the appropriate formula derived for that particular side.

Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology, 2011

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease of an unknown origin. The present case ... more Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease of an unknown origin. The present case control study was intended to compare the finger print patterns between the children diagnosed with ALL and a control group. A total of 24 children with established ALL were included in the study. Fingerprints of the affected children were analyzed in both hands and compared with the finger print patterns of 24 age and sex matched controls. The study indicated an increase in frequency of whorls and a decreased frequency of loops in children suffering from ALL. Radial loops, double loops, central pocket loops and tented arches are found to be proportionately less frequent in cases than controls. On quantitative analysis of patterns, mean pattern intensity index (PII) was found to be higher in cases than controls; however, a significant overlapping was evident. Most of the cases (n = 10, 41.7%) had a PII of 16–20, while a PII of 11–15 is reported among most children in the control group (n = 16, 66.7%). The findings of the study are suggestive of a possible trend and an association of finger print patterns with children suffering from ALL. The present research emphasizes the significance of the application of forensic science in medicine and pathology.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2009

Estimation of stature is one of the important initial steps during forensic analysis of human ske... more Estimation of stature is one of the important initial steps during forensic analysis of human skeletal remains. The aim of the present study was to derive a linear regression formula for estimating stature of adult South Indian males from the length of the sternum. The study included 35 male sternums of South Indian origin dissected from cadavers during medico-legal autopsies. The linear regression equation [Stature=117.784 + (3.429 x Sternal length)] was derived to estimate the stature from the length of the sternum. The correlation coefficient was 0.638. The standard error of the estimate was 5.64 cm. This preliminary study concludes that the length of the sternum can be used as a tool for stature estimation in adult South Indian males.

Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine, 2006

We present a case where a 54-year-old man suffering from haemorrhoids, committed suicide by hangi... more We present a case where a 54-year-old man suffering from haemorrhoids, committed suicide by hanging. Gravitational forces due to the upright position of the body facilitated post-mortem per-rectal bleeding from the ulcerated haemorrhoids. The bleeding stained his under garment and wrap around cloth. Frank blood was also seen on the floor beneath the hanging body. The blood at the crime scene was wrongly interpreted by the investigating police as that due to self-inflicted injury or possibly case of homicide followed by post-mortem suspension of the body. Observation of the crime scene by forensic medicine experts and subsequent autopsy findings revealed that the bleeding was from the haemorrhoids. This case is reported for its rarity, for the awareness of the possible post-mortem haemorrhoidal bleeding artefact, to explain the circumstances of such a possibility, and to emphasize the importance of involving forensic medicine experts as a part of the crime scene investigation team.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2008

Identification of an individual is of paramount importance in forensic investigations. The dimens... more Identification of an individual is of paramount importance in forensic investigations. The dimensions of the foot can be used for the determination of sex and stature of an individual in forensic investigations. No systematic studies are available on the determination of sex from foot measurements of North Indians. Therefore, foot index is derived to determine the sex of an individual in a single community of North India. The foot index for both genders is derived by dividing the foot breadth by foot length and multiplying it by hundred. In the present investigation, the foot index is found to be slightly higher in females in the right foot and males in the left foot. The study suggests that although foot length and foot breadth show significant sex differences, sex determination cannot be made conclusively from the foot index.

Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2009

Abstract: Acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH) not only affect the people directly involved, but a... more Abstract: Acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH) not only affect the people directly involved, but also have grave psychological and social impact on the family and community. In the present study, a cohort of 173 cases of DSH reported from April 2002 to March 2005 was retrospectively analyzed, by perusing the medicolegal register maintained by the Emergency Department at the Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara in the Western Development Region of Nepal. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 10.1. More than two-thirds of total cases were females. About 60% of cases were observed in the age group of 15–24 years. Poisoning (89.6%) was the most preferred method of deliberate self-harm. Organophosphate pesticides were consumed in nearly two-thirds of the poisoning cases. The majority of cases were reported during the months of May to July and had occurred during the last quarter of the day. More than a twofold increase was observed in the frequency of cases during the 3-year study period. The said observations were compared and contrasted with the available literature across the globe. The presentation is concluded by highlighting the limitations encountered in Nepal and the scope to overcome the same.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2008

Poisoning is an important health hazard and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality ... more Poisoning is an important health hazard and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Poisoning is one of the preferred means of committing suicide among males and females in India. A five year retrospective study from January 2000 to December 2004 was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, to understand the magnitude and pattern of suicidal poisoning deaths among males and females in Southern India. During this period, a total of 137 cases of suicidal poisoning related deaths were autopsied. Males were predominantly affected (male:female 2.8:1). Maximum victims of suicidal poisoning mortalities were in their 3rd decade. Mean age for males and females was 40.5 years and 34.4 years, respectively. 27.8% of females and 10.9% males were suffering from depression. Preference for organophosphates was relatively more in males when compared to females, who preferred zinc phosphide, carbamates and medicinal agents. Suicidal poisoning was commonly encountered during afternoon hours in females. Males usually consumed poison during evening and late night hours. Maximum male mortalities were noted during second quarter of the year in contrast to first quarter in females. This paper examines the difference in pattern of suicidal poisoning among males and females to identify population at risk, and understand the problem status among both genders.

Legal Medicine, 2008

Determination of sex from human skeletal remains is an imperative element of any medicolegal inve... more Determination of sex from human skeletal remains is an imperative element of any medicolegal investigation. Length of manubrium, length of mesosternum, and combined length of manubrium and mesosternum were measured in 115 sternums of confirmed sex (75 male and 40 female) for sexual dimorphism. Application of "the 50 rule" for the manubrium confirmed sex in 77.3% male and 77.5% female bones, while application of "the 81 rule" for the mesosternum confirmed sex in 73.3% male and 75% female bones accurately. Application of "the 131 rule" derived from the study for combined length of manubrium and mesosternum confirmed sex in 85.3% male and 77.5% female sternums correctly. This study confined to the Maharashtra region of western India is useful to determine the sex of the sternum when it is subjected for medicolegal skeletal examination.

American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 2009

Electric arc injuries tend to be very severe and can cause skin burns by direct heat exposure or ... more Electric arc injuries tend to be very severe and can cause skin burns by direct heat exposure or by igniting clothes. It produces intense heat, and fatal lesions can occur even when the victim is several feet from the arc. A fatal case of accidental high-voltage electrocution is reported, where multiple skin to bone-deep oval and circular lesions of varying dimensions caused by arcing was present.

Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2009

Abstract: When dismembered human remains are encountered, the decedent’s sex may not be obvious.... more Abstract: When dismembered human remains are encountered, the decedent’s sex may not be obvious. For these scenarios, techniques for sex determination may play a vital part of the medicolegal investigation. Five hundred hands (230 males, 270 females) from North and South Indian region were studied to investigate sexual dimorphism in hand dimensions (hand length, hand breadth, and palm length). The hand index (hand breadth/hand length × 100) and the palm index (hand breadth/palm length × 100) were derived. The hand dimensions show a higher accuracy in sex determination when compared to indices. Of all hand dimensions, hand breadth has the highest accuracy of sex determination in the study group. The sex differences were found to be statistically significant only for the hand index on the left side. The morphometric parameters of the hand show considerable sexual dimorphism in the Indian population while the hand and palm index remain poor sex indicators. The study thus has medicolegal implications when a dismembered hand is brought for examination.

Legal Medicine, 2007

Accurate sexing of skeletal remains is a vital part of any medicolegal investigation and a challe... more Accurate sexing of skeletal remains is a vital part of any medicolegal investigation and a challenge to physical anthropologists. Hipbone is considered as the most reliable sex indicator in the human skeleton. Standards of morphological and morphometric sex differences in the skeleton may differ with the population sample involved and thus cannot be applied universally. The acetabulum-pubis index (A-P index) which is one of the reliable criteria for sex differentiation of human hipbones is derived from the measurements of acetabulum diameter and the distance between its anterior rim and symphysis pubis. Sixty-seven adult hipbones of known sex (36 males and 31 females) belonging to South-Indian population were studied to investigate sexual dimorphism of the well established A-P index. The index below 77.5 identified 81% of females and above 77.5 identified 83% males accurately.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2010

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2009

Sex determination is an important initial step in forensic investigation of unknown human skeleta... more Sex determination is an important initial step in forensic investigation of unknown human skeletal remains. The present analysis is an attempt to determine the sex of the sternum using sternal index as a parameter in a Maharashtrian population of India. Sternal index is calculated in 115 adult sternums of confirmed sex (75 male and 40 female) for sexual dimorphism. The sternal index is derived by dividing the length of manubrium by the length of mesosternum and multiplying it by 100. Although the sternal index is found to be significantly higher in females, the analysis suggests that sex determination cannot be made conclusively from the sternal index in the Maharashtra region of western India. The study further concludes that the applicability of Hyrtl's law in sex determination is limited.

Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2009

Abstract: Suicide is an important public health hazard worldwide. A 4-year retrospective study f... more Abstract: Suicide is an important public health hazard worldwide. A 4-year retrospective study from January 2000 to December 2003 was conducted to identify the favored methods in realized suicides among males and females in the west coastal region of India. During the study period, a total of 539 cases of suicidal deaths were autopsied. Males were predominantly affected (male: female—1.9:1). The age of the victims ranged from 13 to 90 years in males (mean = 40.1 years, median = 37.0 years) and 15 to 85 years in females (mean = 36.6 years, median = 32.0 years). Most favored method of suicide amongst males and females was hanging (36.9%, n = 199) followed by poisoning (34.7%, n = 187). Male dominance was apparent for each method of suicide except for self-immolation. Males were relatively more likely to use hanging and poisoning while females were more likely to prefer drowning and self-immolation as methods of suicide. Relatively younger females (mean = 33.0 years, median = 32.0 years) preferred hanging as a method of suicide when compared to males (mean = 42.4 years, median = 40.0 years). Among females, significantly younger females resorted to hanging when compared to older females who preferred drowning. On investigating the various theories proposed for choice of suicide methods in males and females in different regions we conclude that preference of method of suicide in men and women is complexly determined. In this region, availability, accessibility, popularity, and socioacceptability seem to be the major determinants in the choice of methods among males and females rather than violence associated and lethality of the method. Females were as likely to use lethal and violent methods as males in this region.

Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine, 2006

Pattern of unnatural deaths is a reflection of the prevailing social set up and mental health sta... more Pattern of unnatural deaths is a reflection of the prevailing social set up and mental health status of the region. In an attempt to understand the magnitude and pattern of unnatural deaths in Manipal, Southern India, a 11-year retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. The study revealed a rise in road traffic fatalities (37%) that constituted the majority of autopsies carried out followed by death due to poisoning and burns. Male preponderance was quite evident (2.5:1) except for death due to burns where ratio was reversed (1:2.9). People in 3rd decade were most prone to such fatalities. Of the total medicolegal autopsies conducted in this period, the manner of death was unnatural in 98% of the cases and 71% of them were accidental in nature.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2008

Bilateral variations in dimensions of upper and lower limb bones are attributable to difference i... more Bilateral variations in dimensions of upper and lower limb bones are attributable to difference in mechanical stress and strain that the bones are subjected to during bone growth, and is referred to as directional asymmetry. This skeletal asymmetry in the upper limbs is usually prominent on the dominant side while in lower limbs on the other side, possibly due to supportive contra lateral muscle contractions, that influence the bone growth. This contra lateral dominance in upper and lower limbs is known as cross-symmetry pattern. During skeletal remains examination, variations in different dimensions of long bones of an individual can result in erroneous opinion regarding number of individuals, especially in case of mass disasters. A case report of skeletal remains examination with review of relevant literature is presented where the different dimensions of right and left limb elements are measured and compared.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2010

A five-year retrospective study of homicides was carried out to determine the profile of victims ... more A five-year retrospective study of homicides was carried out to determine the profile of victims and the pattern of injuries sustained between 2001 and 2005 at Government District Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore, South India. Of the 89 victims of homicide, 71 were males and 18 were females. On an average, about 17 cases of fatal assault cases were autopsied each year. The commonest age group affected was the 21-30 age group (28.1%). The head was found to be the most common site of injury followed by the extremities, abdomen and chest. In 49.4% of the cases, the victims had sustained sharp force injuries while in 34.8% blunt force injuries were present. Fatal injuries to the head were the commonest cause of death. Homicide by strangulation was seen in 8 cases and involved mostly women. The incidence of homicidal burns was low (n = 2, 2.2%). In 61.8% of the cases, death was immediate. In 52.8% of the cases the assailant(s) had a pre-planned motive for killing.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2009

Sudden death due to respiratory pathology is not uncommon and tuberculosis with its complications... more Sudden death due to respiratory pathology is not uncommon and tuberculosis with its complications is well known to cause death. We report a case of a male, train passenger, who started coughing out blood and died on reaching the hospital. Medicolegal autopsy confirmed the sudden unexpected death to be due to pulmonary aspergillosis in the person with past medical history of tuberculosis.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2009

Unintentional (accidental) injuries in childhood constitute a significant public health problem. ... more Unintentional (accidental) injuries in childhood constitute a significant public health problem. Young children are extremely vulnerable to unintentional injuries that are vastly preventable. All cases of fatal unintentional injuries in children aged 10 years and below autopsied during 1994-2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy five such cases were identified during the 14 year study period. Males accounted for 68% of cases with a male-female ratio of 2.1:1. Mean age of male and female victims was 5.3 and 4.9 years, respectively. Road traffic fatalities accounted for majority of the cases in this age group (52%), followed by those due to thermal injuries (22.7%). Flame was the cause of thermal injuries in 52.9% cases and scalds were observed in 47.1% cases. Traffic fatalities, fall and drowning were more common in school age children while toddlers and pre-school age children were relatively at a greater risk from domestic accidents (thermal injuries and poisoning). The most frequent victims of road traffic incidents were pedestrians (64.1%). Head injuries alone were the cause of fatalities in the majority of road traffic incidents (82.1%). The study highlights on the pattern of fatalities due to unintentional injuries among young children. To reduce the burden of unintentional childhood mortalities in this region, priorities for school age children are traffic injuries and for toddlers and pre-school children, thermal injuries.

Forensic Science International, 2010

Estimation of stature is an important parameter in identification of commingled, mutilated and sk... more Estimation of stature is an important parameter in identification of commingled, mutilated and skeletal remains in forensic examinations. Bilateral asymmetry is defined as the difference between the measurements of the left and right sides of the human body. While estimating stature from skeletal material as well as from body parts in forensic anthropology case work, asymmetry of the human body may result in erroneous estimates due to bilateral variations present in dimensions of the human body and bones. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate asymmetry in upper and lower extremity dimensions in a north Indian population and to see its effect on the estimation of stature from these dimensions. The study was based on a sample of right-handed 967 adult male Gujjars, an endogamous group of North India. Bilateral asymmetry was assessed in six limb dimensions i.e. total upper extremity length, upper arm length, forearm length, hand length, total lower extremity length and lower leg length using a paired t-test. The results indicated that statistical significant bilateral asymmetry exists in total upper extremity length, upper arm length, forearm length, total lower extremity length and lower leg length (p<0.01). Correlation coefficients of various dimensions of upper and lower extremities with stature were found to be highly significant (p<0.001). Regression equations were calculated for estimation of stature from these limb dimensions using both left and right sides. The study concludes that there is a higher possibility of obtaining erroneous results while estimating stature from those body dimensions which show statistically significant bilateral asymmetry when formula developed from one side is used on the other side. Although, there seems to be a little possibility of obtaining erroneous results while estimating stature from those body dimensions which showed statistically insignificant asymmetry, it is strongly recommended that the examiner must first identify the side to which the limb part or bone belongs to, and then apply the appropriate formula derived for that particular side.

Forensic Science Medicine and Pathology, 2011

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease of an unknown origin. The present case ... more Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is a malignant disease of an unknown origin. The present case control study was intended to compare the finger print patterns between the children diagnosed with ALL and a control group. A total of 24 children with established ALL were included in the study. Fingerprints of the affected children were analyzed in both hands and compared with the finger print patterns of 24 age and sex matched controls. The study indicated an increase in frequency of whorls and a decreased frequency of loops in children suffering from ALL. Radial loops, double loops, central pocket loops and tented arches are found to be proportionately less frequent in cases than controls. On quantitative analysis of patterns, mean pattern intensity index (PII) was found to be higher in cases than controls; however, a significant overlapping was evident. Most of the cases (n = 10, 41.7%) had a PII of 16–20, while a PII of 11–15 is reported among most children in the control group (n = 16, 66.7%). The findings of the study are suggestive of a possible trend and an association of finger print patterns with children suffering from ALL. The present research emphasizes the significance of the application of forensic science in medicine and pathology.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2009

Estimation of stature is one of the important initial steps during forensic analysis of human ske... more Estimation of stature is one of the important initial steps during forensic analysis of human skeletal remains. The aim of the present study was to derive a linear regression formula for estimating stature of adult South Indian males from the length of the sternum. The study included 35 male sternums of South Indian origin dissected from cadavers during medico-legal autopsies. The linear regression equation [Stature=117.784 + (3.429 x Sternal length)] was derived to estimate the stature from the length of the sternum. The correlation coefficient was 0.638. The standard error of the estimate was 5.64 cm. This preliminary study concludes that the length of the sternum can be used as a tool for stature estimation in adult South Indian males.

Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine, 2006

We present a case where a 54-year-old man suffering from haemorrhoids, committed suicide by hangi... more We present a case where a 54-year-old man suffering from haemorrhoids, committed suicide by hanging. Gravitational forces due to the upright position of the body facilitated post-mortem per-rectal bleeding from the ulcerated haemorrhoids. The bleeding stained his under garment and wrap around cloth. Frank blood was also seen on the floor beneath the hanging body. The blood at the crime scene was wrongly interpreted by the investigating police as that due to self-inflicted injury or possibly case of homicide followed by post-mortem suspension of the body. Observation of the crime scene by forensic medicine experts and subsequent autopsy findings revealed that the bleeding was from the haemorrhoids. This case is reported for its rarity, for the awareness of the possible post-mortem haemorrhoidal bleeding artefact, to explain the circumstances of such a possibility, and to emphasize the importance of involving forensic medicine experts as a part of the crime scene investigation team.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2008

Identification of an individual is of paramount importance in forensic investigations. The dimens... more Identification of an individual is of paramount importance in forensic investigations. The dimensions of the foot can be used for the determination of sex and stature of an individual in forensic investigations. No systematic studies are available on the determination of sex from foot measurements of North Indians. Therefore, foot index is derived to determine the sex of an individual in a single community of North India. The foot index for both genders is derived by dividing the foot breadth by foot length and multiplying it by hundred. In the present investigation, the foot index is found to be slightly higher in females in the right foot and males in the left foot. The study suggests that although foot length and foot breadth show significant sex differences, sex determination cannot be made conclusively from the foot index.

Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2009

Abstract: Acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH) not only affect the people directly involved, but a... more Abstract: Acts of deliberate self-harm (DSH) not only affect the people directly involved, but also have grave psychological and social impact on the family and community. In the present study, a cohort of 173 cases of DSH reported from April 2002 to March 2005 was retrospectively analyzed, by perusing the medicolegal register maintained by the Emergency Department at the Western Regional Hospital, Pokhara in the Western Development Region of Nepal. The data were entered and analyzed using SPSS Version 10.1. More than two-thirds of total cases were females. About 60% of cases were observed in the age group of 15–24 years. Poisoning (89.6%) was the most preferred method of deliberate self-harm. Organophosphate pesticides were consumed in nearly two-thirds of the poisoning cases. The majority of cases were reported during the months of May to July and had occurred during the last quarter of the day. More than a twofold increase was observed in the frequency of cases during the 3-year study period. The said observations were compared and contrasted with the available literature across the globe. The presentation is concluded by highlighting the limitations encountered in Nepal and the scope to overcome the same.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2008

Poisoning is an important health hazard and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality ... more Poisoning is an important health hazard and one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Poisoning is one of the preferred means of committing suicide among males and females in India. A five year retrospective study from January 2000 to December 2004 was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal, to understand the magnitude and pattern of suicidal poisoning deaths among males and females in Southern India. During this period, a total of 137 cases of suicidal poisoning related deaths were autopsied. Males were predominantly affected (male:female 2.8:1). Maximum victims of suicidal poisoning mortalities were in their 3rd decade. Mean age for males and females was 40.5 years and 34.4 years, respectively. 27.8% of females and 10.9% males were suffering from depression. Preference for organophosphates was relatively more in males when compared to females, who preferred zinc phosphide, carbamates and medicinal agents. Suicidal poisoning was commonly encountered during afternoon hours in females. Males usually consumed poison during evening and late night hours. Maximum male mortalities were noted during second quarter of the year in contrast to first quarter in females. This paper examines the difference in pattern of suicidal poisoning among males and females to identify population at risk, and understand the problem status among both genders.

Legal Medicine, 2008

Determination of sex from human skeletal remains is an imperative element of any medicolegal inve... more Determination of sex from human skeletal remains is an imperative element of any medicolegal investigation. Length of manubrium, length of mesosternum, and combined length of manubrium and mesosternum were measured in 115 sternums of confirmed sex (75 male and 40 female) for sexual dimorphism. Application of "the 50 rule" for the manubrium confirmed sex in 77.3% male and 77.5% female bones, while application of "the 81 rule" for the mesosternum confirmed sex in 73.3% male and 75% female bones accurately. Application of "the 131 rule" derived from the study for combined length of manubrium and mesosternum confirmed sex in 85.3% male and 77.5% female sternums correctly. This study confined to the Maharashtra region of western India is useful to determine the sex of the sternum when it is subjected for medicolegal skeletal examination.

American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 2009

Electric arc injuries tend to be very severe and can cause skin burns by direct heat exposure or ... more Electric arc injuries tend to be very severe and can cause skin burns by direct heat exposure or by igniting clothes. It produces intense heat, and fatal lesions can occur even when the victim is several feet from the arc. A fatal case of accidental high-voltage electrocution is reported, where multiple skin to bone-deep oval and circular lesions of varying dimensions caused by arcing was present.

Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2009

Abstract: When dismembered human remains are encountered, the decedent’s sex may not be obvious.... more Abstract: When dismembered human remains are encountered, the decedent’s sex may not be obvious. For these scenarios, techniques for sex determination may play a vital part of the medicolegal investigation. Five hundred hands (230 males, 270 females) from North and South Indian region were studied to investigate sexual dimorphism in hand dimensions (hand length, hand breadth, and palm length). The hand index (hand breadth/hand length × 100) and the palm index (hand breadth/palm length × 100) were derived. The hand dimensions show a higher accuracy in sex determination when compared to indices. Of all hand dimensions, hand breadth has the highest accuracy of sex determination in the study group. The sex differences were found to be statistically significant only for the hand index on the left side. The morphometric parameters of the hand show considerable sexual dimorphism in the Indian population while the hand and palm index remain poor sex indicators. The study thus has medicolegal implications when a dismembered hand is brought for examination.

Legal Medicine, 2007

Accurate sexing of skeletal remains is a vital part of any medicolegal investigation and a challe... more Accurate sexing of skeletal remains is a vital part of any medicolegal investigation and a challenge to physical anthropologists. Hipbone is considered as the most reliable sex indicator in the human skeleton. Standards of morphological and morphometric sex differences in the skeleton may differ with the population sample involved and thus cannot be applied universally. The acetabulum-pubis index (A-P index) which is one of the reliable criteria for sex differentiation of human hipbones is derived from the measurements of acetabulum diameter and the distance between its anterior rim and symphysis pubis. Sixty-seven adult hipbones of known sex (36 males and 31 females) belonging to South-Indian population were studied to investigate sexual dimorphism of the well established A-P index. The index below 77.5 identified 81% of females and above 77.5 identified 83% males accurately.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2010

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2009

Sex determination is an important initial step in forensic investigation of unknown human skeleta... more Sex determination is an important initial step in forensic investigation of unknown human skeletal remains. The present analysis is an attempt to determine the sex of the sternum using sternal index as a parameter in a Maharashtrian population of India. Sternal index is calculated in 115 adult sternums of confirmed sex (75 male and 40 female) for sexual dimorphism. The sternal index is derived by dividing the length of manubrium by the length of mesosternum and multiplying it by 100. Although the sternal index is found to be significantly higher in females, the analysis suggests that sex determination cannot be made conclusively from the sternal index in the Maharashtra region of western India. The study further concludes that the applicability of Hyrtl's law in sex determination is limited.

Journal of Forensic Sciences, 2009

Abstract: Suicide is an important public health hazard worldwide. A 4-year retrospective study f... more Abstract: Suicide is an important public health hazard worldwide. A 4-year retrospective study from January 2000 to December 2003 was conducted to identify the favored methods in realized suicides among males and females in the west coastal region of India. During the study period, a total of 539 cases of suicidal deaths were autopsied. Males were predominantly affected (male: female—1.9:1). The age of the victims ranged from 13 to 90 years in males (mean = 40.1 years, median = 37.0 years) and 15 to 85 years in females (mean = 36.6 years, median = 32.0 years). Most favored method of suicide amongst males and females was hanging (36.9%, n = 199) followed by poisoning (34.7%, n = 187). Male dominance was apparent for each method of suicide except for self-immolation. Males were relatively more likely to use hanging and poisoning while females were more likely to prefer drowning and self-immolation as methods of suicide. Relatively younger females (mean = 33.0 years, median = 32.0 years) preferred hanging as a method of suicide when compared to males (mean = 42.4 years, median = 40.0 years). Among females, significantly younger females resorted to hanging when compared to older females who preferred drowning. On investigating the various theories proposed for choice of suicide methods in males and females in different regions we conclude that preference of method of suicide in men and women is complexly determined. In this region, availability, accessibility, popularity, and socioacceptability seem to be the major determinants in the choice of methods among males and females rather than violence associated and lethality of the method. Females were as likely to use lethal and violent methods as males in this region.

Journal of Clinical Forensic Medicine, 2006

Pattern of unnatural deaths is a reflection of the prevailing social set up and mental health sta... more Pattern of unnatural deaths is a reflection of the prevailing social set up and mental health status of the region. In an attempt to understand the magnitude and pattern of unnatural deaths in Manipal, Southern India, a 11-year retrospective study was carried out in the Department of Forensic Medicine, Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. The study revealed a rise in road traffic fatalities (37%) that constituted the majority of autopsies carried out followed by death due to poisoning and burns. Male preponderance was quite evident (2.5:1) except for death due to burns where ratio was reversed (1:2.9). People in 3rd decade were most prone to such fatalities. Of the total medicolegal autopsies conducted in this period, the manner of death was unnatural in 98% of the cases and 71% of them were accidental in nature.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2008

Bilateral variations in dimensions of upper and lower limb bones are attributable to difference i... more Bilateral variations in dimensions of upper and lower limb bones are attributable to difference in mechanical stress and strain that the bones are subjected to during bone growth, and is referred to as directional asymmetry. This skeletal asymmetry in the upper limbs is usually prominent on the dominant side while in lower limbs on the other side, possibly due to supportive contra lateral muscle contractions, that influence the bone growth. This contra lateral dominance in upper and lower limbs is known as cross-symmetry pattern. During skeletal remains examination, variations in different dimensions of long bones of an individual can result in erroneous opinion regarding number of individuals, especially in case of mass disasters. A case report of skeletal remains examination with review of relevant literature is presented where the different dimensions of right and left limb elements are measured and compared.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2010

A five-year retrospective study of homicides was carried out to determine the profile of victims ... more A five-year retrospective study of homicides was carried out to determine the profile of victims and the pattern of injuries sustained between 2001 and 2005 at Government District Wenlock Hospital, Mangalore, South India. Of the 89 victims of homicide, 71 were males and 18 were females. On an average, about 17 cases of fatal assault cases were autopsied each year. The commonest age group affected was the 21-30 age group (28.1%). The head was found to be the most common site of injury followed by the extremities, abdomen and chest. In 49.4% of the cases, the victims had sustained sharp force injuries while in 34.8% blunt force injuries were present. Fatal injuries to the head were the commonest cause of death. Homicide by strangulation was seen in 8 cases and involved mostly women. The incidence of homicidal burns was low (n = 2, 2.2%). In 61.8% of the cases, death was immediate. In 52.8% of the cases the assailant(s) had a pre-planned motive for killing.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2009

Sudden death due to respiratory pathology is not uncommon and tuberculosis with its complications... more Sudden death due to respiratory pathology is not uncommon and tuberculosis with its complications is well known to cause death. We report a case of a male, train passenger, who started coughing out blood and died on reaching the hospital. Medicolegal autopsy confirmed the sudden unexpected death to be due to pulmonary aspergillosis in the person with past medical history of tuberculosis.

Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine, 2009

Unintentional (accidental) injuries in childhood constitute a significant public health problem. ... more Unintentional (accidental) injuries in childhood constitute a significant public health problem. Young children are extremely vulnerable to unintentional injuries that are vastly preventable. All cases of fatal unintentional injuries in children aged 10 years and below autopsied during 1994-2007 were retrospectively reviewed. Seventy five such cases were identified during the 14 year study period. Males accounted for 68% of cases with a male-female ratio of 2.1:1. Mean age of male and female victims was 5.3 and 4.9 years, respectively. Road traffic fatalities accounted for majority of the cases in this age group (52%), followed by those due to thermal injuries (22.7%). Flame was the cause of thermal injuries in 52.9% cases and scalds were observed in 47.1% cases. Traffic fatalities, fall and drowning were more common in school age children while toddlers and pre-school age children were relatively at a greater risk from domestic accidents (thermal injuries and poisoning). The most frequent victims of road traffic incidents were pedestrians (64.1%). Head injuries alone were the cause of fatalities in the majority of road traffic incidents (82.1%). The study highlights on the pattern of fatalities due to unintentional injuries among young children. To reduce the burden of unintentional childhood mortalities in this region, priorities for school age children are traffic injuries and for toddlers and pre-school children, thermal injuries.