Is the manner of suicide predetermined? – Gastric contents can reveal the truth

Abstract

Suicidal deaths have been reported from across the world in different communities, religion, and socio-economic groups. In the developing countries, irrespective of the reason for such deaths the manners of suicide are usually by means of poisoning, hanging, burn or drowning. Rarely gunshot injuries or fall from height are resorted to. The present study aims to determine the different methods opted for suicide in a rural setting in West Bengal. Out of the 134 cases studied over a period of 2 years, hanging was the most common method among both sexes followed by poisoning. In the majority of the cases of hanging food was detected in the stomach while in cases of poisoning it was found only in 39.1% cases. This indicated the knowledge of the victims that food might interfere with the actions of poison and hence to avoid it before consumption of the toxic substance. The presence or absence of the gastric contents also points out towards the predetermined mindset of the deceased with regards to the choice of the method of suicide.