Citation

Seemeen S. Indian J. Forensic Med. Toxicol. 2018; 12(4): 98-103.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2018, All-India Institute of Medical Sciences. Deptartment of Forensic Medicine)

DOI

10.5958/0973-9130.2018.00203.7

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

Burning is a known cause of death since eras. In olden days, a custom called as Sathi used to exist, where the living wife of the dead male person was thrown in to fire. According to Hindu mythology, even Rama asked his wife Sita to prove her chastity by entering in to fire. In olden days, suicide by burning was taken as sign of honor. People died of burning were given equal respect like a soldier dying in a war field. Putting afire a person, gave a cruel pleasure to the people. Of course, accidental burns were there every time. Even burns by para suicide or threating to kill oneself is not uncommon. In India, dowries are a continuing series of gifts endowed before and after the marriage. When dowry expectations are not met, the young bride may be killed or compelled to commit suicide, most frequently by burning. Homicide by burning amongst women is a major concern in India as it has become pervasive throughout all social strata and geographical areas. The present study is aimed to make a critical analysis of the deaths occurring due to burns and a focus is made on the presence of artefacts in them, in relation to their production and extension. © 2018, Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology. All rights reserved.

Language: en

Keywords

Homicide; Burns; Artefacts