Forensic Profiling of Deaths due to Suffocation.

Abstract

Though the cases of suffocation are not frequently encountered, its frequency is increasing gradually. Objective of the study was to determine the cause, variety and manner of death in case of suffocation. This is a cross-sectional variety of descriptive study and was performed in the Department of Forensic Medicine at Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh from January 2018 to December 2019. A proforma was drawn up in which different data were tabulated and analyzed. Thirty four (34) cases of suffocation were found of the total 2199 medicolegal autopsies. The age group of 31-40 years i.e. in 17 cases (50.0%) was mainly affected. Twenty one (21) male victims (61.76%) outnumbered the females. Among all suffocation cases smothering was on top i.e. in 18 cases (52.94%). Causes of death in suffocation were principally smothering by pillows in 11 cases (32.35%). Homicidal cases were determined in 22 cases (64.70%). This study reflects the dimensions of death due to suffocation.