A novel approach towards identification: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

A primary objective of a medico-legal autopsy is to determine the identity of the deceased. The act of praying for prolonged periods of time can lead to the development of skin marks in Muslims, commonly referred to as “Naamaj signs” or prayer marks. An elderly male of unknown identity was brought dead to the hospital, where a post-mortem examination was performed. The patient's name in the treatment records suggested that the deceased was a member of the non-Muslim community, conflicting with the post-mortem examination report indicating circumcision and belonging to the Muslim Community. The disposal authority questioned whether cremation or burial was more suitable for the deceased. When it comes to cases involving religious identification, basing a decision on a single feature alone is not enough to permit the disposal of a deceased body. It is crucial to take into account other characteristics before determining the appropriate disposal method.