ANALYSIS OF HOMICIDAL DEATHS IN DISTRICT DI KHAN: AN AUTOPSY STUDY
Abstract
Background: One of the oldest crimes in human civilization is homicide which startedfrom murder of Abel by the hands of Cane. With the passage of time manner of homicidehave been changing. Study of pattern of homicide in any civil society is the first steptowards development of intervention to reduce the impact of homicidal crimes. This studywas conducted at the department of forensic medicine and toxicology Gomal MedicalCollege DI Khan to know the pattern of the homicides, taking it as the first step in theprevention of crime. Methods: The present study was conducted over two years 2007–08.The data collected includes all reported unnatural deaths from the urban and rural areas ofdistrict on which autopsies were conducted in the district headquarter teaching hospital DIKhan and department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Gomal Medical College DIKhan. Results: Homicidal deaths constituted 259/341 (76%) of all autopsies. Out of thesehomicides 59.07% were caused by the firearm. The most common firearm weapons werehigh velocity rifled weapons (AK-47, rifles and pistols). A total of 304 injuries were foundin various body regions giving an average of about two injuries per victim/person. Thehead, neck and face sustained the highest numbers of injuries 100, (32.90%) followed bychest 91 (29.93%) and abdomen 47 (15.4%); the extremities, buttock and genitalia togethersustained 65 (21.38 %) injuries. A part from firearm injuries unfortunately in our this studythe second highest cause of homicidal deaths was bomb blasts injuries either due to suicidebombers or remote control bombs. The numbers of deaths due to blast injuries were 82 forthe year 2007/08 out of total homicidal deaths and percentage was 32.66%. Conclusion:The vast majority of homicidal deaths in this area are caused by firearms like other bigcities of the province like Peshawar, which bring up issues related to possession of firearmsand change in cultural attitude towards the use of firearm, if a decrease in firearm relatedhomicides is desired.Keywords: Firearm, unnatural deaths, autopsies, suicide bombingReferences
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