Significance of Defence Wound in Homicidal Death

Abstract

The present study was carried out prospectively on 111 homicidal victims coming for medico legal autopsy to the mortuary of SCB Medical College, Cuttack, Odisha from October 2010 to September  2012 to know the significance of defence wound by determining its incidence and pattern of wound. Out  of the 111 homicidal deaths, 31 cases (27.92 %) were found with defence wound. Males were  approximately 1.43 times more defensive than females. Most common age group showing defence  wound was 21-30yr. Sharp weapon was used in 45.16% cases where as blunt weapon in 38.71% cases.  Most common type of defence wound was incised wound (29%), followed by bruise (22.58%).  Most common site involved in upper limb was forearm, followed by hand and arm. Active defence  wound were found in 16.12% cases and passive defence wound in 64.51% cases. Left hand showed  most defence wound (41.93%) as compared to bilateral hand involvement (32.25%) and right hand  involvement (25.8%). A careful and thorough post-mortem examination of defence wound may give clues  to the circumstances prior to death of the victim.