Profile of Homicidal Deaths in and around Rajkot Region, Gujarat

The profile of 100 cases of homicidal deaths was studied in Dept. of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, P. D. U. (Govt.) Medical College at Rajkot, the business capital of Saurashtra region of Gujarat state, during the period of 1st January, 2009 to 21st August, 2010. Incidence rate of homicidal deaths was 2.70% during this period. 38% victims were of age group 21–30 years, while 27% victims were belonging to the age group 31–40 years. 78% of all victims were male. In maximum cases (39%), time of incidence was during 06:01pm-12:00midnight, followed by 00:01am-06:00am. In 24% cases, motive of incidence was dispute because of money or property, while it was personal dispute in 21% cases. 77% deaths were as a result of infliction of mechanical injuries, amongst which, sharp force was used in 31 cases (40.26%) and blunt force was used in 26 cases (33.77%). Violent asphyxial deaths were observed in 14% cases. Head injuries were seen in 43% homicidal deaths. Found dead or brought dead victims were 74%.