Study of defence injuries in homicidal deaths – An autopsy study

In order to determine specific patterns and distribution of defence injuries, this study was conducted on 121 homicidal deaths which showed defence injuries in 40 (33%) cases. Of these 40 victims, 72.5% were males and 27.5% were females. Maximum numbers of victims were in the age group of 20–29 years. In 70% of cases, more than one assailant was involved. It was found that in 77.5% cases, sharp weapons were alone used, whereas, in 10% and 12.5% of victims, blunt weapons and multiple (sharp and blunt) weapons, respectively, were used. Fatal wounds were seen most commonly on the head and neck region. In 42.5% of cases, defence injuries were seen on the right side only, whereas in 27.5% of cases both sides were involved. Victim’s right forearm and hand were more commonly involved because these are nearest to the perpetrator and consistent with the preponderance of right-handed individuals in the population.