Asphyxia is a condition caused by interference with respiration, or due to lack of oxygen in respired air, due to which the organs and tissues are deprived of oxygen (together with failure to eliminate co2), causing unconsciousness or death.[1] Mechanical asphyxia is broad term in which enough external pressure is applied to the neck, chest or other parts of the body is positioned in such a way that respiration is difficult or impossible.
To know the magnitude and pattern of violent asphyxial deaths in Latur district, we have conducted an autopsy based analytic study on 94 cases of asphyxial deaths in the department of Forensic Medicine during the period 01 August 2010 to 31 July 2012. All data related to age, sex, marital status, religion and cause of death with manner were recorded with detailed autopsy examination and subsequently the cases were analyzed on various parameters to find the trends and other significant features of pattern of unnatural deaths in Latur district.
In present study total 94 violent asphyxial deaths were analyzed. Majority of deceased were males (73.40%) as compared to female (26.60%). Out of 94 cases 86.17% were Hindu and 13.83% were Muslim and 58.51% were married. Majority of cause of death were due to Hanging (60.64%), Drowning (35.11%), Strangulation (03.19%), Choking were (01.06%).Most common material used for hanging was found jute rope. Most common motive behind the hanging was domestic problems or quarrel between family members. Most common manner of death in violent asphyxial death is suicidal followed by accidental in nature.

Keywords: Violent asphyxia; Related factors.