A Forensic Analysis of Ligature Material in Suicidal Hangings

Abstract

Background: Suicide is one of the commonest causes of death worldwide and has a great public health effect. The cause of suicide is found to be multi-factorial in which biological, psychological, social and environmental factors act together. The choice of method depends on the accessibility and availability of the means on the spot at the time of act. Objective: To find the choice of ligature material used by the victims, type of hanging in relation to the point of suspension and other related factors. Materials and Methods: The present study is a retrospective analysis of 122 cases of suicidal hanging received for examination at Regional Forensic Science Laboratory, Northern Range, Dharamshala, India during five year period from September 2009 to December, 2014. Results: Male (68.85%) outnumbered females (31.15%) in committing suicide by hanging. Most commonly used ligature material was rope (43.44%) followed by chunni/dupatta (40.16%). The nature of ligature material was soft in 52.45% cases while hard material was used in 47.54% cases. Most victims had complete suspension (83.60%). 74.59% victims preferred indoor sites. Most commonly used suspension point was iron guider (23.77%). The position of knot was observed on left side of neck in 50% cases followed by right side of neck in 23.77% cases. The ligature mark was oblique shaped in 95.08% cases. Conclusions: The commonly used ligature was a rope with guider, ceiling fan and tree branches as the point of suspension. Rope is easily available in almost every house and is more frequently used for domestic purposes like fetching fodder, drying clothes, tying domestic animals and pets, harvesting purposes and other activities. Social, cultural and economic values must be strengthened to help reduce incidence of suicide.