An overview of custodial deaths in pune six years retrospective study

Abstract

Numbers of deaths in custody are increasing every year. It is important to carry out research studies in this field. In this six year retrospective study, all cases of custodial deaths brought for post-mortem examination during year 2008 to year 2013 at Forensic Medicine department of B.J.G. Medical College, Pune were analyzed to study mortality pattern. Total 118 cases were studied which showed male preponderance with 107 males and 11 females. Out of 118 cases 109 died in jail and 09 deaths occurred in police custody. There were 96 cases of natural deaths, 18 cases of unnatural deaths and in 04 cases manner of death was undetermined. Out of natural deaths maximum cases died of respiratory diseases (42), of which maximum cases (22) were of pulmonary tuberculosis. Suicide was the most common unnatural manner of death. Major reasons behind custodial deaths were mainly unawareness and carelessness on the part of custodial authorities.