O Gambhir Singh
SRM Universtiy, Forensic Medicine, Faculty Member
Asphyxial death from Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is occasionally reported in India. Here in this case report we present such a case of accidental CO poisoning. It was a case of a man aged about 38 years old contractor who succumbed to... more
Asphyxial death from Carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning is occasionally reported in India. Here in this case report we present such a case of accidental CO poisoning. It was a case of a man aged about 38 years old contractor who succumbed to CO poisoning during sleep on a fateful night. He was a chain smoker with occasional alcohol consumption. The incident occurred inside a bed room which was latched from inside. He was found dead lying on the floor by the side of a semi burnt mattress. There are very few case reports on such poisoning cases that’s the main reason of presenting this article.
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The present case report examines death of an adult of about 26 years due to accidental smothering. Dead body showed very few minor injuries and some signs of asphyxia. Post mortem examination ruled out presence of preexisting medical... more
The present case report examines death of an adult of about 26 years due to accidental smothering. Dead body showed very few minor injuries and some signs of asphyxia. Post mortem examination ruled out presence of preexisting medical problems and possibility of poisoning. Though there was some suspicion in the beginning the matter was settled after seeing the scene of death and thorough analysis of the circumstances surrounding the death. The case discusses the crucial role of careful and intelligent analysis of history and visit of scene of crime in the assessment of such cases.
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It is a prospective study of 350 fatal head injury cases brought during the study period extending from Jan’2016 to Dec’2017 admitted and treated in our tertiary health care center. The incidence of fatal head injury is growing with... more
It is a prospective study of 350 fatal head injury cases brought during the study period extending from Jan’2016 to Dec’2017 admitted and treated in our tertiary health care center. The incidence of fatal head injury is growing with increasing number of high speed vehicle, more mobility of the public and urbanization. In short, it is the single most common cause of morbidity and mortality in emergency wards. Maximum cases were seen in the age range of 21-30yrs, 89 cases (25.42%). Maximum cases were seen amongst males, 281 cases, 80%. The commonest causes of fatal head injuries are Road Traffic Accident (RTA) cases. Other important causes of fatal head injuries are fall from height, assault & railway accidents. External head injuries were mainly seen on frontal and parietal regions. Amongst the scalp injuries lacerations were very common seen in 149 cases, 35.90%. Skull bone fractures were frequently seen in fatal head injury cases. Presence of skull bone fractures are associated mor...
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The present study is an epidemiological study of fatal Road Traffic (RTA) cases brought and admitted in our tertiary health care centre from Nov 2017 to December 2019. There were 148 fatal RTA cases involving 112 males and 36 female. In... more
The present study is an epidemiological study of fatal Road Traffic (RTA) cases brought and admitted in our tertiary health care centre from Nov 2017 to December 2019. There were 148 fatal RTA cases involving 112 males and 36 female. In the present study males cases outnumbered the female with an approximate male female ratio of 3.1:1. Many cases of fatal head injuries were due to four & two wheelers. Most commonly seen external injuries were abrasions. Lower limbs showed fractured in 31 cases, 20.95%, and upper limbs showed fractured in 22 cases, 14.89%. So, far case fatality is concerned involvement of head plays the most important role.
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It is a prospective, radiological study of age assessment of 151 cases of young adolescents (Boy = 70; Girl = 81) in the age r ange of 14 hands. This study had resulted in considerable narrowing of the range of radiological age assessed... more
It is a prospective, radiological study of age assessment of 151 cases of young adolescents (Boy = 70; Girl = 81) in the age r ange of 14 hands. This study had resulted in considerable narrowing of the range of radiological age assessed using the X-ray of the hand, from 15 years Our finding wa s also consistent with the age from the available date of birth certificates of these students.
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A case of snakebite is being presented in which the bite mark was located on the head of the victim. Bites over such sites could be missed easily while conducting postmortem examination. This paper highlights the importance of searching... more
A case of snakebite is being presented in which the bite mark was located on the head of the victim. Bites over such sites could be missed easily while conducting postmortem examination. This paper highlights the importance of searching for fang marks from head to toe in alleged cases of snakebite. Hairy areas such as over the scalp should be shaved off and cleaned. The possibility of bite marks being present in unusual sites must always borne in mind.
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It is a prospective study of 50 fatal head injury cases whose medico legal autopsy was done in the Institute of Forensic Medicine, at the Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai from December 2007 to June 2008. In... more
It is a prospective study of 50 fatal head injury cases whose medico legal autopsy was done in the Institute of Forensic Medicine, at the Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai from December 2007 to June 2008. In the present study males victims (47 cases, 96%) outnumbered females victims (3 cases, 6%) with an approximate male female ratio of 16:1.Road traffic accidents (RTA) involving mainly pedestrians and two wheeler users were the most common cause for fatal head injury seen in 43 cases, 86%. Out of the total 50 cases of fatal head injury, brain stem injury was seen in 41 cases, 82%. Skull bone fracture was seen in 26 cases, 52%. Temporal and parietal bones were common site of fracture seen in 17 cases, 34%.The mean survival period was 73.42 hours, range being 6 hours to 600 hours.
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This is a retrospective study covering five years duration and analyzing 4271 cases. There were 457 cases in the category of 'brought in dead' (10.7 %). Out of these 457 cases the difference between the cause of death given in... more
This is a retrospective study covering five years duration and analyzing 4271 cases. There were 457 cases in the category of 'brought in dead' (10.7 %). Out of these 457 cases the difference between the cause of death given in police papers and cause of death after post-mortem ...
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In a developing country like India, the incidence of snake bites is very high. Some states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, etc. are the worst affected states. The rate of fatality is also comparatively higher in India as there... more
In a developing country like India, the incidence of snake bites is very high. Some states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, etc. are the worst affected states. The rate of fatality is also comparatively higher in India as there is usually a delay in hospital admission. In the present study, we observed a higher incidence of snakebites amongst farmers and field workers in the age range of 21 to 40 years with a male preponderance. Most commonly bite marks were seen on legs and hands. Pain, local swelling, and neurotoxic features were dominant clinical features at the time of hospitalization. None of the victims were found using protective measures such as rubber gloves or long boots while working in the field.
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Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. In the 5 year period from 2000 to 2004, 8 mothers committed 13 murders involving 3 male and 10 female victims and in every case it was followed by... more
Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. In the 5 year period from 2000 to 2004, 8 mothers committed 13 murders involving 3 male and 10 female victims and in every case it was followed by suicide of the assailant mothers. During the study the annual incidence of murder-suicide was about 1.8 cases. All the assailants were mothers and the victims were their small children in the age group of 6 months to 7 years. Five incidents took place in rural areas and three in urban areas. It was prevalent only in low socio-economic families. Methods both for killing and suicide were either burning or drowning. All the mothers were legally married and living with the family. Family and family related matters were the main motives for killing. In one case there was history of depression of the mother due to her previous miscarriage. Alcohol consumption or drug abuse was not seen even in a single case. All cases fell in the altruistic category of filicide-suicide.
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Non traumatic methods contributes a sizeable number of cases in homicide especially where use of fire arms are uncommon. Average annual incidence was about 12 cases and it formed about 34.08% of all homicidal deaths reported during the... more
Non traumatic methods contributes a sizeable number of cases in homicide especially where use of fire arms are uncommon. Average annual incidence was about 12 cases and it formed about 34.08% of all homicidal deaths reported during the study period. Female and children are the common victims. In cases of female victims majority of the perpetrators were their own husbands. Female assailants usually killed their own children and in considerable number of events it was followed by suicide of the mother. Majority of the cases took place during the day time. Burns, drowning and other forms of asphyxia are the main methods adopted in such cases.
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Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. The following study examined 120 cases, (67.04%) of homicides where death was produced by inflicting various mechanical injuries on the body, reported... more
Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. The following study examined 120 cases, (67.04%) of homicides where death was produced by inflicting various mechanical injuries on the body, reported during the years 2000 to 2004. Incidence of homicidal deaths due to mechanical injuries was 24 cases per year. It formed about 2.89% of all the total medico legal autopsies conducted during the period. Mechanical injuries were quite common in homicidal deaths involving as many as 92 male and 27 female victims. Majority of the victims were in the age group of 21 to 40 years with 77 cases, (64.17%). Blunt force was the most commonly employed method seen in 58 cases, (48.33%). It was followed by sharp force seen in 38 cases, (31.67%) and sharp and blunt combine forces seen in 23 cases, (19.17%). Incidence of fire arm injuries was quite rare in the present study. Head injury was quite common in homicide. Maximum external injuries were seen on the head ...
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The following retrospective study examined homicidal deaths in and around Jamnagar region, Gujarat state in India for a five year period from 2000 through 2004. During this period there were 179 cases of homicides, 113 male and 65 female... more
The following retrospective study examined homicidal deaths in and around Jamnagar region, Gujarat state in India for a five year period from 2000 through 2004. During this period there were 179 cases of homicides, 113 male and 65 female victims with 1 case whose sex was not known. The incidence of homicidal deaths was 4.13% of the total medico legal autopsies conducted during the period. Average incidence of homicides was about 33.8 cases per year. The mean average homicide rate was calculated at 1.4 per 1, 00, 000 populations. The majority of the victims were farmers, laborers and house wives. Commonly homicide was committed by using hard, blunt and heavy weapons. However, burns and asphyxia were very common in female victims. Family dispute, dispute for money and personal dispute were the commonly encountered motives in homicide. Alcohol consumption and sexual offences were very lean.
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Background: Poisoning cases is a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity all over the world. Acute poisoning cases form one of the commonest causes of emergency hospital admissions. Material and methods: It is a retrospective... more
Background: Poisoning cases is a significant contributor to mortality and morbidity all over the world. Acute poisoning cases form one of the commonest causes of emergency hospital admissions. Material and methods: It is a retrospective study of 106 poisoning cases admitted in M.A.P.I.M.S., which is a tertiary health care centre Results: The incidence of poisoning poison was insecticide/ rodenticide and cases were mostly suicidal in nature. Conclusion: Trends of poisoning cases in similar to other parts of India.
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Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. The following study examined 37 cases of violent mechanical homicidal asphyxial deaths reported during the years 2000 to 2004 in the Jamnagar region.... more
Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. The following study examined 37 cases of violent mechanical homicidal asphyxial deaths reported during the years 2000 to 2004 in the Jamnagar region. It constituted about 20.67% of the total 179 homicidal deaths brought during the period with an approximate ratio of 1:5. There were 19 male and 18 female victims with an average incidence of 7.4 cases per year. Most of the victims were from the age group of 21 to 40 years. Mostly they were married, illiterate farmers or house dwellers from rural areas. Ligature strangulation and throttling were the common methods of killing amongst adults and drowning amongst the small children. Most of the cases took place during the day time. In majority of the cases the victim was killed by an acquaintance. Important signs of asphyxia were prominently seen in most of the cases. In 11 cases, (29.73%) we observed other bodily injuries too. Amongst them, blunt head...
Ligature strangulation is a common method of homicide encountered in Forensic practice. In true sense, all cases of strangulation should be assumed to be homicidal until the contrary is proved. When the body is fresh, the optimal medical... more
Ligature strangulation is a common method of homicide encountered in Forensic practice. In true sense, all cases of strangulation should be assumed to be homicidal until the contrary is proved. When the body is fresh, the optimal medical proof of strangulation can be at ease obtained by autopsy. However, examination of body in advanced stage of decomposition poses a great challenge because most of the neck structure including skin will be missing or obliterated by decomposition. Decomposition is a known contributory factor in missing essential information. Moreover, it presents special difficulties since the smell and sensation of handling putrefying tissues and maggots can be very distasteful. This could be even tougher if it is an exhumation case with little remains of soft tissues and mutilation, due to advanced decomposition and previous autopsy. But if we pay proper attention and take a little pain then we still can come out successfully even with such a difficult case.
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... more
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.
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Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. A retrospective review of 179 cases of homicidal death brought during the years 2000 to 2004 was conducted. Out of these 179 cases of homicide there... more
Jamnagar region, Gujarat state, enjoys a relatively low incidence of homicide in India. A retrospective review of 179 cases of homicidal death brought during the years 2000 to 2004 was conducted. Out of these 179 cases of homicide there were 64 cases of fatal head injuries with 48 male and 15 female victims. There was one case of newborn whose sex could not be determined as the part brought for post mortem examination was only the head. The ratio of male to female victims was 3.2:1. Weapon of choice was a hard, blunt and heavy object. Just over 40.63% of all cases in the region occurred in the age groups from 21- 40 years of age. Even in fatal head injury homicides, incidence of skull bone fracture was quite low. Minimum survival duration of the victim was seen in majority of the cases.
It is a prospective study of 50 fatal head injury cases whose medico legal autopsy was done in the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai from December 2007 to June 2008. There were... more
It is a prospective study of 50 fatal head injury cases whose medico legal autopsy was done in the Institute of Forensic Medicine, Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai from December 2007 to June 2008. There were total 50 cases of needed admission either in Intensive Care Unit or neurosurgery. In the present study, male victims (47 cases, 96%) outnumbered female victims (3 cases, 6%) with an approximate male 16:1. Road traffic ac cidents (RTA) involving mainly pedestrians and two wheeler users were the most common cause of fatal head injury, seen in injury, brain stem injury was seen in 41 cases (82%). Skull bone fracture was 11 cases were associated with primary brain stem injury and 15 cases with the secondary brain stem injury. Temporal and parietal bones were the common site of fracture, observed in 17 cases (34%). The range of survival period was w period being 73.42 hours. Brain stem injury, which is generally associated with skull base fracture, was ...
Hanging is one of the most common methods of suicide all over the world. As a method of suicide it is highly lethal in that more than 70% of those who attempt suicide by using this method would die1,2. In few cases, if the person is... more
Hanging is one of the most common methods of suicide all over the world. As a method of suicide it is highly lethal in that more than 70% of those who attempt suicide by using this method would die1,2. In few cases, if the person is brought down within very short period of suspension and treated vigorously in hospital, there is always a hope for life.
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It's a radiological study of age assessment of 100 cases of young adolescents (Boy = 50; Girl = 50) in the age range of 14-17yrs by taking A-P view X-rays of their right wrist joint including hands. There was not a single case of... more
It's a radiological study of age assessment of 100 cases of young adolescents (Boy = 50; Girl = 50) in the age range of 14-17yrs by taking A-P view X-rays of their right wrist joint including hands. There was not a single case of fusion of lower end of ulna in male under the age of 14yrs. Fusion of lower end of radius is late in both sexes and we don't find any fusion in boys up to the 16yrs of age. It was observed that there is considerable narrowing of the range of radiological age assessed using the x-ray of the hand, from 15 years-19 years to 14 years-17 years in both boys and girls. The present study emphatically reveals that an adolescent either boy or girl whose secondary ossification centres of base of first metacarpal, heads of second, third, fourth and fifth metacarpals, bases of phalanges have fused could have attained the age of 17 years. This finding is quite reasonably consistent with the age from the available date of birth certificates of these students.
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Handling of a medico legal case is not an easy job especially while a doctor is working in an Emergency ward where generally patients are brought in a critical condition needing immediate medical intervention. Same problem may also happen... more
Handling of a medico legal case is not an easy job especially while a doctor is working in an Emergency ward where generally patients are brought in a critical condition needing immediate medical intervention. Same problem may also happen while treating such a case in the wards due to multiple reasons. Doctors may have to work under political pressure and frequent police interventions and most uncomfortably they may receive threats from gonads. To combat this, the present paper discusses some example of medico legal cases and the existing related legal provisions in India.
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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... more
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.
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It is a prospective study of 65 road traffic injury cases admitted in M.A.P.I.M.S., which is a tertiary health care centre from January 2010 to December 2011. In the present study, male victims (54 cases, 83%) outnumbered the female... more
It is a prospective study of 65 road traffic injury cases admitted in M.A.P.I.M.S., which is a tertiary health care centre from January 2010 to December 2011. In the present study, male victims (54 cases, 83%) outnumbered the female victims (11 cases, 17%) with an approximate male-female ratio of 5:1. Four wheelers and two wheelers involving mainly pedestrians were the most common cause for fatal head injury seen in 43 cases, 66% cases. Multiple abrasions were the most commonly seen external injury seen in 58 cases, 89% cases. Skull bone fracture was seen in 26 cases, 40% cases. Temporal and parietal bones were the common site of fracture seen in 27 cases, 41% cases. The mean survival period was 73.42 hours, range being 6 hours to 600 hours.
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It is a prospective study of 41 cases of traumatic brain stem injury cases whose medico legal autopsy was done in the Institute of Forensic Medicine, at the Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai from December... more
It is a prospective study of 41 cases of traumatic brain stem injury cases whose medico legal autopsy was done in the Institute of Forensic Medicine, at the Madras Medical College and Government General Hospital, Chennai from December 2007 to June 2008. In the 41 cases, 16 cases, (39.02%) were primary brain stem injury and 25 cases, (60.98) were secondary brain stem injury. The mean ages of cases with primary and secondary brainstem injuries were respectively 55.7 and 36.2. Male victims outnumbered the female victims with male female sex ratio of 13:1. Road traffic accidents involving mainly pedestrians and two wheelers were the most common cause for traumatic brain injury.
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... J Punjab Acad Forensic Med Toxicol, 2009; 9(1):24-6. NEAR HANGING: A CASE REPORT. Dr. O. Gambhir Singh, Asst. Professor,. ... There were occasional generalized tonic-clonic seizures. SPO 2 at room air was 37% which was improved to 98%... more
... J Punjab Acad Forensic Med Toxicol, 2009; 9(1):24-6. NEAR HANGING: A CASE REPORT. Dr. O. Gambhir Singh, Asst. Professor,. ... There were occasional generalized tonic-clonic seizures. SPO 2 at room air was 37% which was improved to 98% with 10L O 2 inhalation. ...
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Injury and death from electric current although rare, are not uncommon. In majority of the fatalities, death usually results from accidental contact with a live wire, both in industrial and domestic circumstances. The entry wound is... more
Injury and death from electric current although rare, are not uncommon. In majority of the fatalities, death usually results from accidental contact with a live wire, both in industrial and domestic circumstances. The entry wound is usually in the hand or foot, with the exit wound being in the opposite hand or foot touching the earth (or the ground). Rarely, due to a unique position of the body and circumstances, they may be seen on head, face, neck, mouth, lips, body trunk, etc. However, here we present a unique site of electrocution, the eye, which has probably never been reported before. This case was also accidental in nature.
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JIAFM, 2007 29 (3); ISSN: 0971-0973 18 Evaluation of Mechanical Injuries in Homicidal Deaths (A retrospective study of 5 years) * O. Gambhir Singh, MBBS, MD,** BD Gupta ... External jugular vein, carotid artery or air passage was commonly... more
JIAFM, 2007 29 (3); ISSN: 0971-0973 18 Evaluation of Mechanical Injuries in Homicidal Deaths (A retrospective study of 5 years) * O. Gambhir Singh, MBBS, MD,** BD Gupta ... External jugular vein, carotid artery or air passage was commonly involved with death on the spot. ...