The Utility of Insects in Estimation of Post Mortem Interval in Human Dead Bodies

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Original Article

Author Details : Juglan Sarthak, Chaturvedi Kumar Rajesh, Kulshrestha Pankaj, Soni J.N

Volume : 3, Issue : 1, Year : 2016

Article Page : 64-68

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Abstract

Introduction: In recent decades the use of entomology as a strong tool on human corpses can help in estimation of time of death or post mortem interval in addition to others parameters related with postmortem interval. Forensic entomology is the name given to any aspect of the study of insects and their arthropod counterparts that interacts with legal matters. Since many insects are associated with the human body after death, they are always a potential source of evidence in case of murders or suspicious deaths.
Aim: The objective of this study involves the evaluation of postmortem interval from entomological evidences, to study the effect of temperature and humidity on the determination of postmortem interval by using entomological techniques and correlating it with autopsy derived postmortem interval.
Material and methods: The present study was conducted on 100 corpses with the guidance of expert Entomologist at the Mortuary of Gandhi Medical College, Bhopal and all necessary information regarding the scene of crime, methodological data collection, meticulous collection of specimens and routine post mortem examination of corpses were done, to find out the mode and manner of death. Decomposed corpses were categorized in five stages: Stages I Fresh, Stage II - Bloated, Stage III Acute decay stage-IV post decay and stage V – Dry or skeletonized.
Observation and Result: The statistical data collected from this study showed that out of 100 cases 54 cases were of known individual, where 46 cases were of unknown identity of these 82 cases were male and 18 cases were female. Commonest species of insects found on dead bodies were Calliphorids in 78.2% cases followed by Sarcophagids in 12.6% cases, Face (including orbit, nose and ear) was the common site where entomological evidence was found (39 cases) followed by neck. The postmortem interval determined from entomological evidences was correlated with the interval as determined from routine autopsy examination and in 66% cases the two intervals were found to be in the same range.
Conclusion: The present study clearly highlights the importance of forensic entomology in estimating precise postmortem interval which can be used as alternative tool in cases of decomposed bodies with entomological evidences.

Keywords: Forensic Entomology, Insects, Post Mortem Interval

How to cite : Sarthak J, Rajesh C K, Pankaj K, J.n S, The Utility of Insects in Estimation of Post Mortem Interval in Human Dead Bodies. Indian J Forensic Community Med 2016;3(1):64-68

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