A Study of Demography of Medico-Legal Autopsies in Bijapur

An 3-year study was carried out on the cases of unnatural deaths subjected to Medico-legal autopsies from 2006 to 2008. The main objectives of the study were: a) To ascertain the various aspects of unnatural deaths, b) To analyze the probable reasons for the same & c) To find remedial measures to bring down the incidence. The incidence of unnatural deaths was found to be persistently increasing. Maximum number of such deaths 266 (29%) belonged to the age group of 21 - 30 years. Male: female ratio was 1.1: 1. Rural population was more prone to poisoning whereas the urban became victim of road-traffic accidents. Males preferred poisoning and hanging whereas females preferred self-immolation (burns) to end their own lives. Suggestions relating to road safety, decreasing the stress of the modem mechanical life-style, educating the public in general and regarding the availability, use and storage of poisonous substances in particular have been put forward, while highlighting the social evil of dowry system prevailing in India.