Ligature material in hanging deaths: The neglected area in forensic examination

Abstract

The hanging mark is the most relevant feature of hanging and its characteristics are well known in the literature. Most of the time, the ligature material is not available during autopsy examination in hanging. Hence, the features of the ligature material are not submitted to systematic analysis. However, the type and position of the knot plays an important role in the mechanism of death and autopsy findings in hanging. Out of the total hanging deaths, complete hanging was seen in 67.7% of the cases, but a typical hanging was noted in only 10.2% of the cases. The commonest type of ligature material used for ligation around the neck was nylon rope followed by odhni and jute rope. The fixed knot was noted in 64.6% of the cases and a running (slip) in 21.3% of the cases. The commonest position of the knot was at nape of the neck, followed by the left side of the neck at mastoid process. The number of turns/loops of a ligature around the neck was one turn in 72.4% and two in 25.2% the hanging deaths. Most victims committed suicide by hanging in their homes, and the commonest ligature points were trees, flowed by beams and ceiling hook/fans.