Socio-Demographic and Medico-Legal Profile of Suicidal Hanging Cases: An Autopsy Based Study in North western India

Abstract

Background: Suicide is a catastrophic public health crisis globally, and hanging remains one of the most common and highly lethal methods utilized for self-harm due to the easy accessibility of ligatures. Methods: A cross-sectional, observational autopsy-based study was carried out at the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, SMS Medical College & Attached Hospitals, Jaipur (Rajasthan), spanning the academic year 2024-25. Out of a total sample pool of 100 suicidal deaths, 38 cases where hanging was the primary method of choice were comprehensively analyzed using external and internal postmortem parameters. Results: Hanging accounted for 38% of the total suicidal fatalities. A significant male predominance was observed (30 males, 78.95% vs. 8 females, 21.05%). The most vulnerable age group was young adults aged 21–30 years (13 cases, 34.21%). The incidence was substantially higher in urban areas (25 cases, 65.79%) than in rural areas (13 cases, 34.21%). Married individuals comprised 20 cases (52.63%), while single individuals accounted for 15 cases (39.47%). Mechanically, asphyxia secondary to neck compression was the definitive cause of death in 100% of the hanging cases (38 cases). Postmortem evaluations systematically checked external ligature parameters and the presence of underlying deep tissue muscle hematomas. Conclusion: Suicidal hanging remains highly prevalent among young, urban, and married males. The universal role of rapid mechanical asphyxia emphasizes the immediate lethality of this technique. Targeted socio-psychological interventions and accessible mental healthcare are essential components for regional suicide prevention frameworks.

Keywords: Asphyxia, Autopsy, Ligature Mark, Muscle Hematoma, Suicidal Hanging.