Abstract

Background: Violent asphyxial deaths are one of the important causes of death nowadays. Hanging is one of the preferred mode of committing suicide. Pattern of suicidal death is a reflection of the prevailing social set up and mental health status of region. Material & Methods: A Prospective study was conducted from Jan 2013 to December 2013 in which 106 autopsy cases of hanging deaths were taken out of 976 autopsies conducted in the mortuary of Raichur institute of medical sciences, Raichur. Results: The maximum incidences of hanging deaths were in 21- 30 years age group (37.7%). Majority of the victims were married (67.9%). The most common place of hanging was closed space (93.3%). On external examination the ligature mark was at or above the thyroid cartilage in all the cases with no fracture of thyroid cartilage or hyoid bone. Conclusion: Hanging is the most commonly observed mechanical asphyxial death. The cause of death profile is an important set of public health information and forms the cornerstone of the health information system

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