Publication: Custodial Death
Date
2023
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Kathmandu University
Abstract
ABSTRACT
The authors report a case of death of 16 years old boy in custody of a rehabilitation
center. The young boy was taken to hospital for some health issues after severe
torture where he was declared dead and brought for medicolegal autopsy under
the requisition of investigating authority. Autopsy examination revealed multiple
abrasions and intradermal contusions of ante-mortem origin and fresh at the time
of death on various parts of the body including intradermal contusions on bilateral
soles, subscalpal hematoma, subdural with minimal subarachnoid haemorrhages
were observed. Histo-pathological examination of bilateral kidneys revealed
features of acute tubular necrosis which is due to release of myoglobin as result of
skeletal muscle necrosis sustained due to repeated blunt force trauma. The cause
of death was attributed to head injury. Deceased was tortured by hitting over soles
which is also known as falanga, and the second most common form of torture after
beating the body. The fatal maltreatment and death of people who are detained
against their will often raises controversy therefore nonpartisan information
on cause of death is required to conclude that human rights were abused. So,
medicolegal autopsy provides scientific basis for the occurrence of injury and
establishing cause of death.
KEY WORDS
Autopsy, Custodial death, Necrosis, Torture
Description
Singh PK, Karki A
Department of Forensic Medicine
Kathmandu University School of Medical Sciences
Dhulikhel, Kavre, Nepal
Keywords
Autopsy, Custodial death, Necrosis, Torture