Abstract

Background: Self intentionalviolent acts are one of the important causes of death nowadays. Burning is one of the modes of committing suicide, although it is painful and non­instantaneous death as compared to others modes of suicide. Since limited data is available on suicidal burn in this part of India i.e. Ranchi, Jharkhand. Therefore, we have planned this study to know the profile and attributing factors for suicidal burn in the state of Jharkhand of India. Materials & Methods: This prospective study which was carried out on 162 cases of death due to burns in the department of forensic medicine & toxicology of Rajendra Institute of Medical sciences, Ranchi during from 15th April, 2012 to 14th October, 2013. Information regarding the sociodemographic, mode of suicides, time of incidence, place of incidence, occupation, etc were gathered from the police papers like inquest report, dead body challan etc, and through detailed interviews of the relatives, neighbors, friends, and police officials accompanying the dead bodies. Results: Hindu married females belonging to rural backgroundbetween ages15 years to 44 years were most common victims of suicidal burns. Most of the suicidal burns occurred during summer season (61%) followed by winter (Dec­March) (17%). Majority (56%) were chose In Law’s home followed by parental home (44%). The maximum suicidal burns incidence occurred at evening (between 4 PM to 8 PM), which accounts 33% followed by late night (between 12 AM to 4 AM) with 22%. Conclusion: The present study has findings more or lessconsistent with the findings of the other studies conducted in Indian.

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