Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology
The Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology (JFMT) is a peer-reviewed, hybrid, Quaterly journal with a broad international perspective. The journal is dedicated to all branches of Forensic Medicine, Legal Medicine, Toxicology and allied sciences for the administration of justice. Specifically, the Journal encourages research articles that explore principles of forensic practice in contact with judicial system, practice of toxicology; and articles related to medical litigation, medical law and medico-legal issues arising out of day-to-day practice. The journal is an official publication of Medicolegal Society (regd.). The journal was initiated in year 1984 and passing through 42nd year of its publication in 2025. The Journal promotes collaborative research among forensic experts, research scholars, scientists, the occupation health hazard industry and healthcare professionals. The journal accepts submissions of original research, editorials, review articles, case series, case reports, systematic reviews and book reviews in relevant areas. INDEXING It has been assigned International standard serial No. print-0971-1929 and electronic-0974-4568. The Journal is indexed / covered with Scopus, Embase, Embase Excerpta, CNKI scholar, Google Scholar, EBSCO discovery and Indian citation index. https://www.scopus.com/sourceid/27767
Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Pubic Symphyseal Age Estimation from Three-Dimensional Reconstruction of Pelvic CT Scans
Background: Accurate age estimation remains a cornerstone of forensic identification. Among several skeletal markers, the pubic symphysis has emerged as a reliable site for adult age assessment due to its predictable morphological changes. Conventional methods like Todd’s and Suchey–Brooks phase systems have been widely used. However, these are primar ily based on direct skeletal examination, which may not always be feasible. This study aimed to evaluate the reliability of age estimation from three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction of pelvic computed tomography (CT) scans using estab lished morphological phase systems. the pubic symphysis has emerged as a reliable site, assessing its application in living individuals for forensic purposes in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: CT scans of adult pelvises were reconstructed in 3D and analyzed for morphological changes at the pubic symphysis. A comparative analysis was conducted between Todd’s 10-phase system, McKern-Stewart’s component-based method, Gilbert-McKern’s female-specific modification, and the Suchey–Brooks six-phase system. Morphological features such as dorsal plateau, ventral rampart, and symphyseal rim were evaluated across age and sex strata. Statistical tools were used to assess interobserver agreement, correlations, and accuracy. Results and Conclusion: 3D CT reconstructions provided clear visualization of morphological changes, facilitating precise phase identification. The Suchey–Brooks and McKern-Stewart systems showed significant concordance with chronological age, and the component-based approach demonstrated higher objectivity and repeatability. Age estimation was more reliable in males due to the confounding effect of childbirth-related changes in females. Three-dimensional CT reconstruction is a promising, non-invasive tool for age estimation using pubic symphyseal mor phology. Its application can enhance forensic accuracy in living individuals and skeletal remains, particularly in regions like India where population-specific standards are needed. Future studies should focus on creating localized databases for improved forensic applicability.
Copyright (c) 2026 Deepan Roy, Deepa Durga Roy, Ashish Verma (Author)
Postmortem Bleed - An Artefact- A Case Report
Introduction: Artefact is any change caused or feature introduced in a body after death (accidental or physiologically unrelated finding to the natural state of the body) that is likely to lead to misinterpretation of medico legally significant ante mortem findings. Case details: This is a case of 24yr old male who hanged himself in a hotel room. Front foot were touching the floor and heel slightly lifted up and there was frank blood on the floor just beneath the foot. Upon examining the body, dried blood stains were present on both the lower limb and the origin of bleed was traced to anal orifice. After taking detailed history the relatives mentioned that the person was suffering from hemorrhoids and was taking treatment for the same from local hospital. During dissection anal mucosal tear was seen at 12’ O clock position. Multiple petechiae were also seen on larynx and epiglo ttis. There were no signs of struggle or injury on body and the careful neck dissection did not show any muscular haematoma or rupture of muscles. Conclusion: The time since death was about 24 to 36hr from time of postmortem examination. It was concluded as a post mortem artefact, not an injury due to any foul play.
Copyright (c) 2026 Shivanand Tanwashi, Siddharth Singh, Santosh Soni (Author)
Fingerprint Pattern Similarities Among Family Members: A Forensic Study of Hereditary Factors
Fingerprints are a vital tool for identifying criminals and disaster victims. While DNA testing is effective, it is expensive and often a resource constraint for agencies like DVI. A more affordable solution is a fingerprint recognition system integrated with population data. Interestingly, 46.4% of children share the same fingerprint pattern as their parents. This similarity allows for the identification of underage victims or those without biometric data by matching their fingerprints with living relatives. This research aims to analyze inherited fingerprint patterns within families. Fingerprint are obtained from 36 subject of 2 big families comprising of a group of three levels of descent. The data obtained were analyzed by elaborating the data in the form of tables and statistic test. There is a high prevalence of the Ulnar Loop fingerprint pat tern in Family A (75.33%) and Family B (78.57%). In Family A, Ulnar Loop was found on the middle finger of the right hand (100%), and the middle finger of the left hand (93.33%). In Family B, grandparents with 100% Ulnar Loop patterns passed this trait to all their children except for one with 90%. A significant relationship between family members and fingerprint pattern similarity shows in both families (p value < 0.05). The Ulnar Loop showed a strong positive correlation (0.765***) in Family A and a strong negative correlation (-0.716**) in Family B, highlighting complex inheritance patterns. These findings strongly indicate a significant familial influence on fingerprint patterns, particularly the Ulnar Loop, affirming the potential for developing family-based fingerprint-matching technologies.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mustika Syarifah, Tri Bintarti, Mohammad Rifa’i, Diana Lisnawati (Author)
Double Death: Unique Presentation Of Accidental, Fatal Double Electrocution
Flow of electrical particles is responsible for electricity and when substantial electric current pass through the tissue, it leads to skin lesions, organ damage and death which is called electrocution.1 Most often, electrical fatalities are naturally accidental in nature.2 High voltage electrical injuries are relatively uncommon but, considerably contribute to occupa tional fatalities with the existence of hazardous exposure during their tasks at workplaces.3,4 This case reports a double electrocution accident due to contact with live wire lying unattended on the accident scene.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rishit Anand, Dheeraj Bhatt, Prateek Rastogi, Chaithra G V (Author)
Decoding Suicide: The Need For Mandatory Psychological Autopsy In India
Suicide remains a major public health and medico-legal challenge in India, where rates are among the highest globally. Traditional autopsy often fails to distinguish suicide from accident or homicide in equivocal cases, leading to diagnostic and legal uncertainty. The psychological autopsy (PA), developed in the mid-20th century, reconstructs the deceased’s mental state and life stressors through collateral interviews and records. This paper reviews the concept, history, methodology, applications, and legal-ethical considerations of Psychological Autopsy, with emphasis on its relevance in India. Landmark international and Indian cases highlight its investigative value. Ethical implications after the introduction of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) are examined. Finally, we argue for PA’s mandatory integration into medico-legal practice in India to strengthen forensic investigation, judicial outcomes, and suicide prevention strategies.
Copyright (c) 2026 R Monisha, Sachin Kumar Meena, Pradeep Meena, Kavya Sharma (Author)
Nitrogen-Induced Suicidal Asphyxiation In Maharashtra State Of India- A Case Report
Suicidal death by nitrogen-induced asphyxiation is not uncommon worldwide other than India. Seldom incidents of this phenomenon occurred in India in recent years which is an unusual suicide method among Indians. This article presents a case report of nitrogen-induced suicidal asphyxiation from Maharashtra State in India. A young male committed suicide by placing a black plastic bag over the head and using commercial nitrogengas cylinder.In this case, a forensic autopsy was carried out including toxicological analysis. Apart from signs of asphyxia, autopsy didn’t reveal any positive finding. Toxicological analysis revealed no findings contributing to the deaths. The absence of toxicological and autopsy findings to determine the cause of death in such cases may represent challenges of clinical and forensic significance.
Copyright (c) 2026 Santosh H Bhosle, Shailesh M Raut, Harshlata I Chavhan, Anil K Batra, Dheeraj P Batra (Author)
Injury Pattern and Outcomes of Fatal Road Traffic Accidents in Varanasi region: An Autopsy based study
Road traffic incidents (RTIs) are a leading cause of death worldwide, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. The number of fatal traffic accidents rises sharply in tandem with the number of vehicles on the road, from motorcycles to large trucks. In order to identify common injury patterns, demographic trends, and clinical outcomes, this retrospec tive analysis looks at the autopsy records of 236 fatal RTA patients. The results indicate that long bone fractures and cranio-cerebral traumas are the leading causes of death, particularly for men between the ages of 19 and 45. The gender and age differences in these injury categories are evident in the higher prevalence of organ ruptures and crush injuries in older age groups. The leading cause of death for victims of RTAs was head injury (170 out of 236 cases) followed by shock and haemorrhage (30 out of 236 cases). Thus, the study highlights the necessity of improved trauma treatment programs and focused preventative measures.
Copyright (c) 2026 Neeraj, Surendra Kumar Pandey, Khushveer rathore, D Abdul Farooq (Author)
Murder by Mutilation: Forensic Autopsy and Legal Responses to Intestine Cutting Killers
BackgroundMutilation killings, especially those in which the victim has been disembowelled, are among the most vio lent forms of homicide and are generally believed to be the work of serial killers. These are not typical forensic pathology cases, illustrating deficiencies in legal, ethical, and investigative structures. To achieve better investigative and judicial outcomes, it is essential to understand the forensic, psychiatric, and legal complexities of these cases. MethodsNational and International landmark case laws, medico-legal autopsy reports and court proceedings concern ing mutilation homicides in which evisceration is the principal modality of assault were narratively reviewed in this article. Electronic databases, such as PubMed, Scopus, and legal repositories, were searched using a defined set of search terms related to mutilation, autopsy findings, offender profiling, ethics, and evaluation. ResultsThe findings of a forensic autopsy contribute decisively to the establishment of the cause and manner of death and also to differentiating ante mortem from post-mortem mutilation. Ritualistic behaviour and related psychopathol ogy were often linked to specific organ-targeting patterns. Ethical issues arose about mutilated corpses, collateral trauma to forensic pathologists and the open-court presentation of gruesome evidence. The court’s scrutiny highlighted the ongoing challenges in critically evaluating complex scientific evidence without compromising the accused’s right to a fair trial. ConclusionThe findings emphasise the imperative of sound cross-disciplinary cooperation in an in-depth homicide investigation involving forensic medicine, law, and ethics at both investigative and court stages. Scientific rigour informed by ethical sensitivity and judicial wisdom will help us deal more appropriately, justly, and accountably with these cases.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rajneesh Kumar, Gurminder Kaur, Ankit Anand, M Shamima Parveen, Hrishikesh Manu (Author)
Optimization of Pre-treatment Conditions for Direct PCR Analysis of Human Bloodstains at Various Storage Durations
The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has undergone significant advancements and has been applied in various fields, including forensics. In the field of forensic analysis, rapidity and efficiency are paramount. One promising technique is direct PCR, which involves conducting PCR analysis without DNA extraction, facilitating a more rapid and efficient analysis. However, treating samples used directly as templates is essential to ensure the PCR reaction can proceed. This study involved optimizing the treatment of blood samples (incubation at 60°C and 90°C for 10 minutes) prior to their use as a direct PCR template and evaluating the effectiveness of direct PCR on human bloodstains incubated for various durations (0, 7, 14, 21, and 30 days) using primers of the human cytochrome b gene. The gene has significant variation between species, but limited variation within the species. The results indicated that the cytochrome b gene primers suc cessfully amplified human DNA. Samples incubated at 90°C for 10 minutes or at 60°C for 10 minutes could be used as direct PCR templates. Human bloodstains remained analyzable using direct PCR up to 30 days following the initial sampling. This study provides valuable insights for forensic experts, enabling them to expedite and enhance the efficiency of the PCR process in forensic applications.
Copyright (c) 2026 Wimbuh Tri Widodo, Sonny Kristianto, Rury Eryna Putri, Ahmad Yudianto, Fatimah, Lalu Unsunnidhal (Author)
Concealment and Revelation: Forensic Analysis in Homicide Investigations - A Case Series
Concealed homicides present major challenges to forensic investigation by obscuring evidence, complicating identifica tion, and hindering the determination of cause and manner of death. This study analyses six cases of concealed homicide examined between May 2023 and May 2025 at a tertiary care hospital mortuary in South India. The victims, aged 21–31 years, included five males and one female. Alcohol was detected in five cases, indicating its contributory role in violent behaviour. Causes of death included cranio-cerebral injuries in three cases, cut-throat injury and ligature strangulation each in one instance, and one undetermined due to advanced decomposition. Concealment methods included burial (three cases), staged drowning (one case), post-mortem suspension mimicking suicide (one case), and dismemberment with submersion (one case), corresponding to Grades 1–3 of Schneikert’s concealment classification. Stages of decom position ranged from early putrefaction to partial skeletonisation. Identification was established through tattoos and clothing in four cases and confirmed by DNA profiling in all. This case series highlights the crucial role of comprehen sive forensic examination, toxicological analysis, and DNA profiling in uncovering concealed homicides and ensuring accountability under the law.
Copyright (c) 2026 Rajaram P, Varun Krishna B, Sunil Subramanyam (Author)
Distribution Of Lip Print Patterns Among Primary School Children In West Bengal Using The Suzuki–Tsuchihashi Classification: A Cross-Sectional Forensic Study
Cheiloscopy, the study of lip-print patterns, has emerged as a promising supplementary tool for personal identification due to the uniqueness, permanence, and stability of lip grooves. Despite its potential, population-specific data—espe cially among children—remain limited, and standardized protocols for collection and analysis are lacking. This cross-sec tional descriptive study was conducted across ten districts of West Bengal, India, involving 616 primary school students aged 6–10 years. Lip prints were collected prospectively using a standardized methodology. Each print was divided into six quadrants and classified using the Suzuki and Tsuchihashi system (Types I, I’, II, III, IV, V). Results revealed that Type II (Branched) was the predominant pattern across all districts and all six quadrants, demonstrating strong uni formity within the population. Type III (Intersected) was the second most common in upper quadrants, whereas Type I (Complete Vertical) dominated as the secondary pattern in lower quadrants. Notably, Type V (Undetermined) was absent in every quadrant and district. District-wise variations existed but did not alter the overall dominance of Type II. The study highlights significant consistency with previous Indian and international research, reinforcing the prevalence of the branched pattern in diverse populations. By focusing on a young demographic, the study adds valuable baseline data for early-life lip print characteristics.
Ensuring Excellence and Quality Accreditation in Medico Legal Practices
The medico-legal system forms a critical interface between medicine and law, pivotal for the administration of justice. Its integrity, however, is frequently compromised by the absence of standardized protocols and a formal accreditation frame work. The integration of robust quality accreditation systems, drawing parallels from established healthcare standards like the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) and the National Accreditation Board for Testing and Calibration Laboratories (NABL), is essential to address this deficiency. These standards can also be applicable to certain aspects in the field of forensic – State Forensic Labs and Forensic Histopathology labs. Maintaining healthcare standards and following protocols also reduces the medicolegal burden of hospitals. A structured quality management system is imperative for ensuring precision, accountability, and integrity in all medico-legal procedures. This is particularly crucial for post-mortem examinations, where the implementation of Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for autopsy performance, dead body management, chain of custody for sample preservation, and compliant biomedical waste management prevents evidentiary contamination and procedural lapses. Also following a standard report ing format can make sure the quality of reporting is not compromised. Adopting a formal accreditation process would minimize errors, enhance the scientific validity of forensic findings, and ensure uniformity across different centres. A quality-accredited medico-legal framework is fundamental to upholding the principles of justice, ensuring defensibility in court, and strengthening public confidence in both the medical and legal systems.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mukul Sharma, Yogendra Velicharla, Utsav Parekh, Sanjay Gupta (Author)
Determining Stature Using Hand and Foot Anthropometric Measurements in Young Adults
Introduction: Estimating stature is a crucial aspect of forensic identification, particularly when dealing with fragmented human remains. Due to the impact of ethnicity and regional variations, models tailored to specific populations are cru cial. In India’s varied population, particularly in urban areas such as Delhi, localized information improves precision in medico-legal inquiries. Methods: This study examined the relationship between stature and the anthropometric measurements of the hand and foot in 200 healthy young adults (100 were males, 100 were females) aged 18–25 years. Anthropometric dimensions of the length and breadth of both left and right hands and feet were recorded and analysed. Results: Males exhibited significantly higher average values for all measured parameters (p < 0.05) as compared to females. Insignificant bilateral variations were found, with the exception of foot length in males (p = 0.03). Regarding the relationship between stature and the variables, hand length demonstrated the strongest correlation with stature in males (r = 0.572), while foot length showed the highest correlation in females (r = 0.649). Lower standard errors of estimate suggested that multiple regression models were better than the simple linear models, which confirms hypothesis regard ing the usefulness of measurement of hands and feet in devising unique and better regression models based on sex for forensic stature estimation. Conclusion: The research revealed a significant correlation between height and the dimensions of hand and foot, with left hand length in males and right foot length in females demonstrating the highest accuracy. The bilateral differences were mostly negligible. Multi-regression models surpassed simple linear models, highlighting the importance of inte grated parameters for stature estimation.
Use Of Graphic Medicine For Teaching Forensic Medicine To Undergraduate Medical Students: A Scoping Review
Background: Forensic medicine education is intellectually and emotionally demanding. Graphic medicine has gained attention in medical education, but its role in forensic medicine remains underexplored. Objective: To map the existing evidence on the use of graphic medicine in teaching forensic medicine to undergraduate medical students and to iden tify applications, outcomes, and knowledge gaps. Methods: A scoping review was conducted according to PRISMA-ScR guidelines. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar were searched from 01 January 2010 to 31 March 2025. Studies describing or evaluating comics/graphic novels/graphic pathographies in undergraduate or postgraduate forensic medicine education were eligible. Study quality was assessed with the Medical Education Research Study Quality Instrument (MERSQI). Results: We included 26 studies in this review: 6 from forensic medicine and 20 from related high-emotion, procedure-heavy specialties (e.g., emergency medicine, trauma surgery). Four main themes appeared: 1. Graphic medicine simplifies complex forensic signs and procedures. 2. It helps learners develop empathy and narrative competence. 3. It supports ethical reasoning. 4. It strengthens emotional resilience. Evidence directly from forensic medicine is limited to small pilot studies and descriptive reports (average MERSQI qual ity score = 11.9 out of 18). Students reported higher engagement and better self-perceived understanding, but no ran domized controlled trials or long-term outcome data exist in forensic medicine. Conclusion: Graphic medicine (comics, graphic novels, and illustrated narratives) appears promising as a supplementary teaching tool in forensic medicine, espe cially for increasing student engagement and helping learners process emotional content. However, the evidence specific to forensic medicine remains early-stage and methodologically limited. High-quality comparative studies are required before it can be routinely recommended for widespread use
Copyright (c) 2026 Ravi Rautji, Niraj Dingre (Author)
In silico Comparative Genomic Analysis of Different Salmonella enterica Subspecies enterica Strain Isolated from Chicken in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand
Salmonella is a major foodborne pathogen responsible for a range of human and animal infections, including gastro enteritis and invasive non-typhoidal salmonellosis. Accurate identification and classification of Salmonella strains iso lated from chicken samples are essential for epidemiological surveillance, outbreak investigation, and antimicrobial resistance monitoring. In this work, an in silico approach for analyzing the 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA) gene is pre sented in order to characterize and determine the evolutionary links between Salmonella strains. 16S rRNA sequences were retrieved, aligned, and then made into phylogenetic trees, heatmaps, and nucleotide diversity analysis. Comparative studies between several datasets (AK01–AK04) showed different patterns of sequence variability and conservation; AK03 had the most conserved profile, whereas AK02 had the highest average nucleotide diversity. Phylogenetic heatmaps and dendrograms validated the taxonomic resolution attained by 16S analysis by further demonstrating both divergent lin eages and highly conserved clusters. Furthermore, the rise of serovars resistant to antibiotics was emphasized, highlight ing the significance of genomic methods in assessing resistance patterns. With all aspects considered this in silico process shows how useful 16S rRNA-based methods are for rapid, economical, and educational research of Salmonella diversity and advancement.
Copyright (c) 2025 Anubha Kumari, Avinash Kumar (Author)
Establishing regional parameters of facial shape in Libya: a study of gender and geographical variation
Facial recognition plays an important role in surveillance systems, biology of medical applications, terrorist activities and identification of major disasters. The aim of this study is to provide gender-specific anthropometric facial measurements for three regions of Libya, contributing to the development of standard morphometric parameters for these populations. The results showed significant differences in all parameters studied between men and women. However, differences were observed between the parameters when analyzed by geographical origin. These results highlight the complexity of regional differences and the need for further research to validate gender-specific practices in specific populations.
Copyright (c) 2026 Fathi Mohamed Alatrash, Mansour Binfayed (Author)
Hen Bite- Induced Sepsis: An Unforeseen Lethal Outcome- A Rare Case Reporta
Introduction: Avian bites, though uncommon, can lead to severe or even life-threatening consequences. Birds can trans mit harmful microorganisms, including Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus, and Candida, through their beaks and talons, potentially leading to sepsis. Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response to infection that can cause organ failure and death if untreated. Other serious infections, such as cellulitis, abscess, and septicaemia, can also arise, characterized by systemic inflammation, organ dysfunction, and cardiovascular instability. Case Details: We present a rare case of sepsis following a hen bite in a 60-year-old female. The patient developed severe septic shock after being bitten on the right forearm, experiencing significant swelling and episodes of fever. Cellulitis was observed in the affected area, and further assessment confirmed sepsis, acute kidney injury, tachycardia, and tachypnoea. Discussion: Delayed presentation and inadequate initial treatment contributed to the fatal outcome, emphasizing the need for public awareness and education on proper wound care and hygiene following such incidents. Conclusion: Hen bite-induced sepsis, while rare, can be lethal. This case underscores the importance of prompt recogni tion and aggressive management of avian bites, particularly in vulnerable individuals. Despite advances in medical care, sepsis remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide.
Copyright (c) 2026 Darshika N Jain, Agamdeep Singh Bedi, Vinay Bannur (Author)
Demographic Profile of Assault Victims in Bikaner Region of Rajasthan – One year institution based cross-sectional study
This study comprised of 262 assault cases presented to OPD of FMT department, admitted and brought dead cases in our institution from February 2023 to January 2024. Maximum number of cases recorded in 21-30 years age group (38.54%). Males were predominant (210) than females (52). Maximum number of cases recorded in time period of 4 PM to 12 AM i.e. 155 (59.16%). 72.15% of victims did not gave history of alcohol intake. Status of one case is not known. Perpetrator was known in 84.73% cases and not known in 15.26% cases. Maximum males (64.76%) and females (73.07%) were from urban area. While 35.58% victims were from rural areas. 87.14% males and 88.46% females were Hindu.
Copyright (c) 2026 Vandana Gahlot, O P Saini, Shalender Kumar, Rajendra Singh, Arun Sharma (Author)
Paediatric Burn Fatalities: One Year Retrospective Study At Tertiary Care Center
Introduction: Fire has fascinated humankind since ancient times and remains one of the most remarkable discoveries in human history. While it has significantly contributed to human evolution and progress, its misuse or mishandling can lead to catastrophic outcomes. Burn related incidents are mostly accidentals in children mostly due to there little develop ment of mind and body. These incidents often result in prolonged morbidity, permanent disability, or even death, causing profound loss to individuals, their families, society, and the state. Materials and Methods: This retrospective study was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology of a Tertiary care center. The study period spanned from 1st January 2024 to 31st December 2024. These cases were brought to the hospital mortuary for medico-legal postmortem examinations. Results: Total 4774 autopsies were conducted during this period. Out of these, 320 cases were have history of burn and 76 cases belong to paediatric population. The majority of the subjects in this study belonged to the toddler age group, fol lowed by those in early childhood. Male subjects outnumbered female subjects. Most of the cases were accidental burns. Preventive measures include educating caregivers, childproofing homes, promoting safe cooking practices, installing smoke alarms, advocating safety regulations, and providing first aid training. Strengthening paediatric burn care and researching risk factors are essential for effective interventions.
Copyright (c) 2026 Mahesh Soni, Vikas Soral, R K Verma, Sumanta Dutta (Author)
Radiological Study Of Mineralization Of Third Molars For Estimation Of Age Using Demirjian Method
Accurate age estimation is necessary in forensic practice, particularly during late adolescence when legal distinctions between juvenile and adult status carry significant implications. Dental parameters are widely regarded as reliable indi cators of age, as tooth development is minimally affected by environmental and systemic factors. Among these, third molar mineralization remains especially valuable in individuals between 15 and 25 years of age due to its prolonged and variable developmental timeline. This radiological study was undertaken to evaluate the relationship between third molar mineralization stages and chronological age using Demirjian’s method, and to assess possible variations related to sex. The study included 200 indi viduals (100 males and 100 females) aged 15–25 years, all of whom were born and residing in Mumbai. Chronological age was confirmed using official birth records. Orthopantomograms were obtained for each subject, and all four third molars were assessed according to Demirjian’s eight-stage mineralization system. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS software. Early mineralization stages (A–C) were not observed in the study population. No statistically significant differences were found between males and females or between the right and left sides in either jaw. Maxillary third molars showed marginally earlier mineralization compared to mandibular molars. A strong positive correlation was observed between mineralization stages and chronological age, allowing the derivation of regression equations for age estimation. Stage H was consistently associated with attainment of adulthood. The study supports the relevance of Demirjian’s method for age estimation in late adolescence and early adulthood, where reliable documentary evidence is unavailable.
Copyright (c) 2026 Avinash Babasaheb Andhale, Shailesh Mohite, Freny Karjodkar, Pawan Sabale (Author)
Vecuronium bromide: preferred suicidal drug among medical professionals – a case report
We report a case of suicidal death due to self-administration of intravenous vecuronium bromide by a nursing student. Toxicological analysis confirmed the presence of vecuronium bromide. Postmortem findings, toxicological analysis, and crime scene investigation indicated a suicidal manner of death, with the cause attributed to respiratory paralysis resulting from vecuronium injection. Skeletal muscle relaxants act either peripherally at the neuromuscular junction or centrally on the cerebrospinal axis to reduce muscle tone. Neuromuscular blocking agents are commonly used in general anesthesia during surgery to induce muscle relaxation. Centrally acting muscle relaxants are primarily used for treating painful muscle spasms and spastic neurological disorders.
Copyright (c) 2026 Varun Krishna, Sunil Subramanyam (Author)
Utilizing PMCT Angiography In Augmenting The Role Of Virtual Autopsy In A Case Of Sudden Cardiac Death
Sudden cardiac death (SCD) refers to the unexpected death of an individual occurring within one hour of symptom onset or within 24 hours of last being seen in good health if the death is unwitnessed. Since virtual autopsy is finding its way globally, the applications of postmortem computed tomography (PMCT) in cases of sudden cardiac death, which forensic pathologists frequently encounter, should be fostered and further developed. This case report discusses the sudden death of a 60-year-old male who had an acute on chronic infarct in the left ventricle and multiple foci of calcifications in the coronary arteries and the aorta. Though coronary and aortic calcifications were clearly visualised by PMCT, the critical patency of the lumen at the site of occlusion and the myocardial pathology could not be adequately visualised. PMCT angiography (PMCTA) was performed subsequently, which provided excellent visualisation of the luminal patency of coronary vessels, thereby augmenting the efficiency and diagnostic yield of virtual autopsy. Additionally, in resource-lim ited settings like India, where cost-effectiveness is a major factor, barium-based contrast agents have been tried in this case as an alternative to Iohexol (iodine-based agents), and the challenges faced in such scenarios are also comprehen sively discussed with a forward-looking perspective on future improvements.
Copyright (c) 2026 Gokul G, Karthi Vignesh Raj, Abhishek Yadav, Manju Kumari, Sudhir K Gupta (Author)
Spontaneous Non-Traumatic Intracranial Hemorrhage In Pre-Existing Hypertensive Patient - An Autopsy-Based Case Report
In north- eastern states high intake of salt and social acceptance for the use of tobacco lead to hypertension, atheroscle rosis and development of renal stones which ultimately increases chances for the intra-cerebral hemorrhage. Intracranial hemorrhage or stroke is one the leading cause of premature deaths in northeastern states. A 54year old male deceased, was brought with history of scuffle. On clinical examination, MRI showed intraparenchymal bleed of size approximately 18 x 49 x 65 mm in right hemisphere and extending up to midbrain and pons. History of scuffle was ruled out on metic ulous post-mortem examination by confirming findings of MRI with findings of intra-ventricular hematoma and liq uefactive necrosis was present at midbrain and pons region. This study explored non-traumatic brain hemorrhage as a cause of death in sudden and unexpected deaths without any prior evidence of any significant illnesses which could easily have been misinterpreted as trauma to head. It has been evident that hypertension in north-eastern population is higher due to lifestyle and food-habits. To the best of our knowledge, an Autopsy based study on Non-traumatic Intracranial Haemorrhage has not yet been published from North – Eastern region of India.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sandeep Nath, Sankalp Chanda, Karthi Vignesh Raj, Nilesh A Devraj (Author)
Homicidal Death By Crude Bomb Explosion: A Case Report With Forensic Patho-Mechanical Insights
Background: Crude bombs are homemade explosive devices created from inexpensive and easily accessible materials like glass fragments, jute fibers, stones, iron nails, etc. They serve as a substitute for costly explosives. Crude bomb explosions have complicated medicolegal ramifications that necessitate a thorough comprehension of the patho-mechanics of the injuries sustained. The patho-mechanics of damage caused by homicidal crude bomb blasts is an uncommon and emerging entity, the knowledge of which is essential to answer the medicolegal query in these cases. Case Presentation: In a small village in eastern India, a crude bomb was thrown at a middle-aged man during an argu ment, resulting in an explosion that caused bodily injuries. The patho-mechanics of the injuries held to reach to the conclusion regarding event reconstruction, the victim’s proximity to the explosive material at the moment of detonation, alongside comprehensive evidence collection, which is presented in this paper. Conclusion: This study shows that forensic teams must be extremely precise when examining injuries and gathering evidence. If they aren’t, a crime like murder or terrorism could easily be mistaken for an accident. Careful evidence col lection is key for police and security agencies to find the guilty parties and stop similar events.
Copyright (c) 2026 Sindhu Sudha Sahu, Sunita Das, Keshari Suna (Author)
A Study On Using Sexual Dimorphism From The Pyriform Aperture Of Dry Human Skull Among The Eastern Indian Adults
Sexual dimorphism is required in cases of natural disasters, recognition of fragmented bones and beyond forensic iden tification. Pyriform aperture (PA) is a pear-shaped structure in the human skull, bounded by the frontal process of maxillary bone on the lateral aspect, and the nasal bones in upper. Data from the present study shows that various measurements taken from pyriform aperture and nasal bones can be a useful forensic tool in sexual dimorphism
Copyright (c) 2026 Soumeek Chowdhuri, Bishan Basu, Somasish Ghosal, Writa Mridha, Phalguni Srimani, Aloke Majumder (Author)
A Deadly Hotel Fire Incident: Case Series Of Carbon Monoxide Poisoning And Literature Overview
Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is a significant global public health concern, often resulting in severe health conse quences or fatalities. This report examines eight fatal cases of CO poisoning caused by a hotel fire, highlighting the com plexity of CO exposure in fire-related incidents. The fire, originated in a basement used for commercial purposes and fueled by flammable materials. It rapidly escalated, causing widespread panic and trapping guests due to a sudden power outage. Post-mortem examinations revealed that all victims exhibited characteristic signs of CO poisoning, including cherry-red discoloration of tissues, soot in the respiratory tract, and elevated carboxyhemoglobin levels. Histopathological analysis of lung tissues showed congestion and black pigmentation, consistent with CO exposure. Chemical analysis con firmed significant CO levels in the victims’ blood. This incident underscores the critical need for stringent fire safety measures, including proper use of building spaces, functional emergency lighting, smoke detectors, and regular safety inspections. The findings demonstrate that CO poisoning, combined with smoke inhalation, is often more lethal than burns alone. The study reveals important features in cases of CO poisoning and also emphasizes the need for stricter adherence to fire safety regulations and improved safety protocols to prevent similar tragedies in the future.
Copyright (c) 2026 Senthil Kumaran M, Sundaragiri Suraj, Narsareddy Laxmikanth Reddy, Venkatesh J, Utsav Parekh (Author)
Comparative Analysis Of Radiological And Dental Age With The Chronological Age In Sports Individuals
Introduction: Age is a primary identification character of an individual with great medicolegal importance. Age estimation in Forensic Medicine has always been challenging with the changing time and rapid evolution of scientific methods of estimation. It is crucial in certain fields like education, sports and other civil and crim inal purposes. For participation in sports at national and international level, age verification is mandatory for maintaining fair play, adhere to international standards, prevent fraud etc. But the question is, how accurate can the age of an individual be identified using radiological and dental examination? Aim: To compare the chronological age of a person with radiologically estimated age from examination of ossification centres of bones and dental age from physical examination. Materials & Methodology: The study was performed on 160 football players who visited to our department in November, 2024, for age verification before participating in a National Level football competition held in Chandigarh. The age range of the participants was from 12 to 16 years, competing in under 18 category. Each participant’s height, weight, physical & dental examination, and x rays for bone ossification centres of the shoulder joint, elbow joint, wrist joint and hip joint were performed using weighing machine, stadiometer, x ray machine and analysed. Results: The mean height of the participants was 167.84 cm and mean weight was 57.76 kgs. The frequency percentage of agreement between chronological age and dental age was 63%, whereas that between chrono logical age and radiological age, was 3%. The mean age of participants was 15.1875 with SD of +/-0.870. On dental examination, the calculated mean age was 15.1875 with SD of +/- 0.0623. On radiological examination, the calculated mean age was 10.7501 with SD of +/- 0.0233 Conclusion: In our study, we have observed great difference between dental age, radiological bone age with chronological age. Possible reasons could be less sample size and effect of hormones on radiological bone age in sports individuals. Standard methods for age verification in sports persons should be followed to remove method bias.
Copyright (c) 2026 Padala Chandra Harshitha, Nikhil Mehta, Shikha Gupta, Amandeep Singh, Dasari Harish, Kaur Kaur (Author)
Age Estimation By Radiological Study Of Epiphyseal Union Of The Wrist Joints In A North Indian Population (1–18 Years)
Introduction: Age estimation can be done from early physiological changes in the body, teeth development and radiological examination of ossification centres. Methodology: It is a Cross sectional, mortuary-based study carried out on the dead bodies of 70 subjects brought for Medicolegal Autopsy to Mortuary, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi. This study included peoples age between 1-18 years with known supportive documents like AADHAR, other ID & also personal interaction with legally accepted represen tatives (LAR). Both Antero-Posterior (AP) and lateral views of X-rays of the left Elbow and Wrist joints were taken. Results & Discussion: All the X-rays were analysed focusing on the epiphyseal union in these two joints. Total 70 people participated in the study, out of which 41 are male and 29 are female. In males, the ossifi cation centres around Wrist joint completely fuse earliest at 15 years whereas in females, the ossification centres around Wrist joint completely fuse earliest at the age of 14 years. Complete fusion of distal end of Radius and Ulna has occurred 1 year earlier in females, as compared to males. Mean age for complete fusion of distal end of Radius in female subjects is 17.0±1.25 years and mean age for the same in male subjects is 16.89±1.27 years, while mean age for complete fusion of distal end of Ulna in female subjects is 16.57±1.40years and mean age for the same in male subjects is 16.75±1.28 years. It has also been observed that Carpal bones are not appearing in any particular order. Conclusion: Total sample size for the study is not large enough, to make proper inferences regarding the ossi fication of joints. Tanner-Whitehouse method and Greulich-Pyle method should be modified as applicable to Indian population to make more scientific assessment about ossification status of the joints
Copyright (c) 2026 Ramesh Babu M, Arijit Dey, Varun Chandran, Adarsh Kumar, S K Gupta (Author)
Medicolegal Examination Of Transgender Persons In Cases Of Sexual Assault: A Comprehensive Review
Transgender individuals face disproportionately high rates of sexual violence, yet their needs remain inadequately addressed within conventional forensic and medico-legal systems. This review explores the unique vulnerabilities of transgender survivors of sexual assault and critically examines the challenges they face during medicolegal examina tions. While global data reveal alarming levels of victimization, structural barriers – including stigma, misgendering, and binary-centric protocols – discourage reporting and impede access to justice and healthcare. In India, despite progressive legal reforms such as the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 and the NALSA judgment, forensic pro tocols and documentation formats continue to rely heavily on binary gender frameworks, leaving transgender survivors marginalized within legal and medical settings. The review synthesizes existing international and national guidelines, identifying key gaps and proposing best practices for inclusive, trauma-informed, and gender-affirming forensic care. It emphasizes the ethical obligations of healthcare professionals to uphold autonomy, non-maleficence, beneficence, and justice in their approach. The need for sensitization training, inclusive infrastructure, respectful documentation, and integrated mental health support is underscored. Furthermore, the paper outlines specific procedural adaptations that can improve forensic outcomes and reduce re-traumatization. This review identifies gaps in current forensic procedures and outlines practical measures needed for accurate, respectful, and legally acceptable examination of transgender survi vors. By adopting affirming and inclusive approaches, healthcare and legal professionals can help ensure that transgender survivors of sexual violence receive the dignity, care, and justice they are entitled to
Copyright (c) 2026 Md Wasim Momin, Geeta Sahu (Author)
A Retrospective & Descriptive Study Of Fatal Electrocution Autopsies At A Tertiary Care Center (2022–2024)
Electrocution is a significant but under-monitored public health concern in low- and middle-income countries. This retrospective descriptive study analyzed 60 fatal electrocution autopsies performed at a tertiary care hospital between 2022 and 2024. Cases were selected through purposive sampling based on predefined inclusion criteria. Data included victim demographics, seasonal variations, voltage source, manner of death, and characteristic autopsy findings. Young adult males constituted 92% of victims, with most deaths occurring during summer and monsoon seasons. Low-voltage household electricity accounted for two-thirds of cases. Characteristic external findings included dermo-epidermal burns (75%), entry–exit wounds (48%), and crocodile-skin patterned arc lesions (13%). Nearly all deaths (98%) were accidental. The study highlights the preventable nature of electrocution fatalities and the urgent need for improved domestic electrical safety, infrastructural regulation, and seasonal public health interventions
Copyright (c) 2026 Jagajyoti Biswal, Saumya Ranjan Dash, Sudeepa Das, N Maniarasan (Author)