Suicidal Hanging Masquerading as a Homicidal Hanging

Abstract

It is true that hanging in its face value goes in favour of being suicide in nature and it is relatively  easy for an autopsy surgeon to establish cause and manner of death at autopsy provided there is a clear  ligature mark with typical features of asphyxial stigmata. However, difficulty arises when there is an  allegation, an unusual ligature mark or associated with other bodily injuries. Moreover, post mortem  artefacts or changes of decomposition may pose a great challenge especially at the hands of  inexperienced autopsy surgeons. In the present case report, we discuss the importance of thorough and  meticulous post mortem examination and crime scene visit which were ignored during the first autopsy  done at a Taluk Hospital. Another important aspect of this case report is scientific documentation of  persistence of ligature mark (of hanging) in an exhumed cadaver with decomposition.