Page 161 - VERITAS Vol.2 Issue 2

STRANGULATION

Veritas Volume: 2, Issue: 2, Pages:152-154 Ms. Sreelakshmi NM

Strangulation is a form of death where constriction of the neck by a lig-

ature or any material without suspension of the body.
1. Ligature strangulation

2. Manual strangulation by hands (throttling)

3. Garrotting (ligature strangulation by approaching the victim from be-

hind)

4. Mugging (compression of neck by elbow, foot or wrist)

5. Bansdola (compression of necks by using stick)

6. Accidental strangulation

Cause of death in strangulation:
C ause of de a t h in s t r an gula t ion:
Combination of asphyxia and venous congestion is the usual cause of

death. Vagal shock may occur in case of manual strangulation. Cerebral

ischemia and injury to cervical vertebrae is sometimes seen.

POSTMORTEM FINDINGS
• External Findings

Ligature mark is normally horizontal, situated below the thyroid carti-

lage and encircles the neck completely and reaches the occipital region.

Multiple ligature marks are suggestive of homicidal strangulation. If the

victim is dragged by the ligature, the ligature mark may be oblique and

upwards. Ligature marks may be faint or absent if soft fabric is used and

released quickly after death. Fingertip bruises, nail scratches, abrasions
over the neck indicate possibility for homicide. Presence of ligature ma-

terial on the neck indicates strangulation. A transparent adhesive tape

can be used to lift and collect the ligature material from the body.

152 Veritas Volume: 2, Issue: 2