Retrospective analysis of 258 consecutive forensic exhumations with emphasis on causative agents/cause of death.

Abstract

Abstract:

Introduction: Exhumation is the removal of the corpse from its grave for determination of the cause of death. All the exhumation cases are authorized by the Judicial Magistrate are appropriate authority under section 176 CrPC (code of criminal procedure). There are other religious, social and cultural reasons the exhumation is carried out in different parts of world.

Objective: To analyse and evaluate the findings from exhumed bodies and the factors which play role in the uncertainty in the determination of the cause of death.

Methodology: This retrospective observational study performed for 258 consecutive forensic exhumations performed at Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, PUMHSW, Nawabshah in district from 2017 to 2019. These corpses were evaluated retrospectively on the basis of the autopsy report and police papers. The demographic information, causative factors and relevant data retrieve and analyzed using SPSS ver.19.  The purpose of the present study was to analyze and evaluate the findings, their causative agents observed on the exhumed bodies and the factors which play role in the uncertainty in the determination of the cause of death.

Results: There were 200 males and 58 were females. The causative agents included were blunt/sharp force and firearms. 242 cases were from urban and 16 were from rural area. The maximum cases of exhumation were 228 having >42 years and minimum were 30 <50 years. Due to advanced stage of decomposition, the marks of violence on soft tissues were not observed, and the internal organs were also in a state of decomposition. Histopathology and toxicology reveal negative results.

Conclusion: Delayed exhumation due to lengthy legal procedure, results in decomposition and disputed cause of death. The success rate in challenged cases depends mostly on the duration of exhumation, condition of the soil, regardless the cause, frequency of such claims is on rise.   

Keywords: Exhumation, grave, dead bodies, Autopsy, facial identification, false claims on cause of death.