Strangulation deaths during 1993–2002 in East Delhi (India)

Strangulation is one of the common modes of violent asphyxias. Frequently, the deaths from strangulation are homicidal in nature. To study the pattern of the strangulation deaths in the capital city of Delhi, a retrospective analysis of 10 years records from the period 1993–2002 was undertaken in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at UCMS and GTB Hospital.During the above period, 8385 Forensic autopsies were conducted out of these 98 (1.17%) cases were found to be of strangulation. These 98 cases were analyzed in detail and showed that: (a) incidence of strangulation have increased many folds in comparison in 1970s; (b) maximum incidence of strangulation is amongst individuals in third decade of life; (c) male, female ratio was 3:2; (d) ligating material was found present in neck in 40% cases; (e) fractures of the neck bones/cartilage were observed in 80% cases; and (f) other associated injuries were seen in as high as ∼90% of cases. The paper describes and discusses the findings in detail.