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Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology

Volume  9, Issue 2, April - June 2016, Pages 57-60
 

Original Article

Profile of Firearm Fatalities in Rajkot Region: A Retrospective Study

D.K. Vadgama*, P.J. Manvar**, P.R. Varu**, V.J. Aghera**, M.N. Patel***, R.D. Vaghela***

*Assistant Professor, **Tutor, ***Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, P.D.U. Government Medical College, Rajkot­360001, Gujarat, India.

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DOI: DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.9216.4

Abstract

 Context: A retrospective study of 40 cases of firearm deaths was conducted in dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of P. D. U. (Govt.) Medical College, Rajkot during the period of 2000 to 2014. Aims: To determine the pattern of deaths caused by firearms in and around Rajkot region. Methods and Material: A retrospective study of 40 cases of deaths due to firearm injuries was conducted in Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology of P. D. U. (Govt.) Medical College, Rajkot during the period of 2000 to 2014. The particulars of the victims, history of the incident, postmortem findings, etc. were recorded from the postmortem reports and relevant documents and are analyzed. Statistical Analysis Used: Microsoft excel. Results: Incidence of firearms deaths was 0.13% during this period. Most of victims (42.5%) were of age group of 21­30 years. Most of victims(92.5%) were male.82.5% of victims were belonging to lower socio­economical class.67.5% cases were of rifled injuries and 32.5% were of shotgun injuries. Most common targeted part was chest (55%), followed by head and face (45%). 90% cases were homicidal and 10% cases were suicidal. Most of the victims (52.5%) had single firearm entry wound. Conclusions: The majorities of the victims were men and age group of 21­30 years. The most common targeted body part was the chest. Most of the deaths were due to rifled firearm injuries and homicidal. In all suicidal cases, the victim were male, females are not using firearm to kill self. Death due to firearm injuries is very less as compared to India and other countries. Incidence of death due to firearm injuries are progressively increasing from 2008, it may be because of modernization in the societies. 

Key-words: Firearm Injury; Suicide; Homicide.


Corresponding Author : D.K. Vadgama*