Forensic Investigation of Suicidal Hanging in Lavatory of Custody Cell and Some Remedial Steps-A Case Study

Abstract

Vinod Dhingra and SP Sharma

Custodial death refers to the death of a person in the police custody/ lockup or in the prison. Death in custody is usually associated with apprehension and community concern, and raises the suspicion of violation of human rights. Studies conducted in few countries have shown that people in custody have increased rate of morbidity and mortality than those not in custody. In the present study, a person had committed suicide by hanging in the lavatory while kept in police station cell. In this case, the blanket available in the cell is used as ligature material for hanging. This incidence highlights the need to prevent any loose material present in the cell that may be a possible means of suicide. The present custodial death is presented with a view to provide information which will help for effective remedial steps and the establishment of better preventive strategies to prevent such incidence in the custody in future.

PDF