Cheiloscopy is the study of the characteristic patterns on the lip created by the sulci labiorum, or wrinkles and grooves on the labial mucosa. Lip prints have been identified as available supplementary tool in forensic science, given their distinct patterns and wide range of applicability, similar to fingerprints. It can be crucial in positively identifying an individual’s identity, a person’s presence or absence at the crime scene. They are specific to each individual, with the exception of monozygotic twins, and they remain unalterable even after death. This discipline, together with fingerprint analysis and dental record comparison, forms a cornerstone of scientific forensic identification methods. A comprehensive literature review was conducted using a targeted search strategy in the PubMed/Medline database, focusing on full-text articles containing the keywords “lip,” “lip print,” and “Human identification.” Relevant data were extracted, categorized under several headings like journal, country of authors, study, aims, outcomes, tool, sample, etc. This information was analyzed, with further examination of cited references. The most widely accepted classification for lip prints is the Suzuki and Tsuchihashi Classification, which provides a clear and comprehensive description of common lip patterns. Lip prints found on diverse surfaces-such as binding tape, glasses, cigarette butts, or windows-can serve as vital evidence in numerous crimes. These can be registered using various methods such as direct photography, usage of lipstick or using substances like aluminum powder or lysochrome dyes. Accurate transfer and recording of lip prints using suitable media is crucial for their validity as reliable forensic evidence. The stability and individuality of lip prints, unaffected by age and shared genetic factors, render them a valuable biometric marker, complementing fingerprints for personal identification.
Determining age is crucial in various civil and criminal proceedings, such as identification, consent, criminal accountability, medical assessments, will validity, reaching adulthood, kidnapping, sexual assault, illegal abortion, sports, and more.[1] The human bones grow from various ossification centers, and through radiological examination of these epiphyseal centers, we can estimate an individual’s approximate age.[2] In this study, we focused on the age group of 17 to 19 years, analyzing their knee and pelvic joints. To evaluate the determination of radiological age through the distribution of total fusion scores and the assessment of age from knee and pelvis images in relation to birth certificates for individuals aged 17 to 19 years using digital X-rays. This observational cross section study was carried out at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Government medical college, Kota. It included 100 participants of both sexes who gave consent for the study and fulfilled the inclusion criteria. In this study, the participant pool was intentionally balanced with 50 male and 50 female subjects, ensuring equal representation. The statistical summary disclosed a mean age of 17.94 years. The standard deviation of 0.83 signifies a moderately close grouping of age values in relation to the mean, indicating limited variability. The present study gives important evidence supporting the accuracy and utility of radiological age estimation using epiphyseal fusion scoring for knee joint and pelvis in Indian adolescents. Geographical boundaries, narrow age range, moderate sample size, and reliance on radiographs limit the generalizability and depth of the findings.
Cannabis is one of the most commonly abused substances globally. Rapid, non-invasive detection of cannabis use is crucial for screening purposes in forensic and workplace testing. Keratinized matrices like hair and nails serve as good samples for detecting past cannabis use. Attenuated Total Reflectance-Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR) spectroscopy is a fast, cost-effective, non-destructive, and less invasive method for detecting cannabis exposure from hair and nail samples. The primary objective of this study is to validate keratinized matrices as an effective medium for cannabis detection and to assess the detectability and reliability of ATR-FTIR. The study was conducted in Jhansi, India. Hair and nail samples were collected from 16 volunteers and analyzed alongside a standard cannabis reference sample. Distinct absorption peaks characteristic of major cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), were consistently observed in samples from cannabis users, particularly in nail matrices. In contrast, these signals were absent in samples from non-users. These findings demonstrate that ATR-FTIR has the potential to be an effective method for detecting past cannabis use using hair and nails in resource-limited contexts.
Microplastics (MPs) have emerged as a pervasive environmental contaminant with growing evidence of human internal exposure. Their persistence, ability to cross biological barriers, and potential c additives raise significant concerns in forensic toxicology and public health. To critically synthesize global evidence on the occurrence, toxicokinetics, and forensic relevance of MPs detected in human biological samples, highlighting their potential value in medico-legal investigations. A narrative review of over 40 peer-reviewed studies (2019–2024) was undertaken using PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Studies reporting MPs in human matrices, including blood, placenta, breast milk, lungs, feces, urine, semen, thrombi, and cerebrospinal fluid, were evaluated for analytical methods, particle characteristics, and quality-control rigor. MPs were consistently detected in 12 different human matrices, with particle sizes ranging from <1 µm to 500 µm, predominantly as fibers and fragments of polyethylene, polypropylene, and polyethylene terephthalate. Documented biological effects include oxidative stress, inflammation, immune dysregulation, and possible neurotoxicity. From a forensic perspective, polymer-specific signatures and pigment residues can serve as trace indicators of exposure, supporting medico-legal investigations in cases of environmental or occupational disease. The detection of MPs in human biological samples underscores their dual toxicological and forensic significance. Standardized analytical protocols and forensic validation are essential to ensure evidentiary reliability and to interpret microplastic exposure in a medico-legal context.
Tobacco use is very common practice in Indian household causing a whole series of oral health problems ranging from potentially cancerous changes to life threatening (oral cancer) and serious (periodontal disease) to social (bad breath) issues/problems. Parents act as role model for their children as children spend more time with them so they try to imitate them. Tobacco use in adult is a menace which we are continuously battling, when it comes to children our task is still worsened. Owing to the limited studies available, the study aims at exploring the potential impact of parental tobacco usage on oral and physical health of their children. Evaluation of effects of parental use of tobacco on oral health of their children. This study will enable us to judge the burden of tobacco use among children which is rarely reported. Total of 750 students have been examined from 2 different schools of rural area in Palghar district of Maharashtra [351 male and 399 female]. After taking consent from the concerned authority for oral health examination, children were examined for BMI and oral findings, they were interviewed for nature of tobacco habits in their parents and the children underwent examination to identify any tobacco habits and related oral lesions. The data obtained was sent for statistical analysis. Out of 750 children, 33 children have tobacco habit which is 4.4%. Our study found that 234 out of 750 parents have tobacco habit which is 31.2%. Children who have tobacco habit with positive parental usage are 32 out of 234 parents using tobacco which is 13.67%. The statistical analysis revealed a significant association between dental caries in children and exposure to tobacco, with a p-value of < 0.038 (statistically significant association). Statistically significant correlation (p< 0.001) was also observed between positive tobacco usage history in children and the incidence of teeth indicated for extraction. No statistically significant correlation (p >0.05) was observed between tobacco use with the prevalence of missing teeth and gingival health among children with a history of tobacco use as compared to children with no tobacco usage. The unpaired t-test analysis yielded no statistically significant difference (p > 0.05) in mean BMI values between the two groups, i.e., children without tobacco habits and children with tobacco habits. This study highlights the growing concern over tobacco usage among children, as this dangerous habit is becoming increasingly prevalent, leading to addiction at a young age. It underscores the urgent need for tobacco cessation interventions for adults, recognizing the profound influence their habits have on their children.
The role of forensic evidence in the criminal justice system is vital, substantially affecting investigations and adjudicatory processes. Critical to its admissibility and acceptance is the evidence’s chain of custody as it helps in establishing the path from crime scene to court house, making sure it was untouched, properly managed and accurately identified. Interruptions in the chain due to handling, misidentification, theft or tampering can result in either the conviction of an innocent person or acquittal of the guilty. This article seeks to critically discuss the protocols, processes, methods and ethical considerations particularly in relation to safe-guarding the integrity of evidence through cases where evidence was rejected by courts because of weak documentation as well as poor forensic management. It also looks at forensic-processing backlogs, adjudication gaps and lack of infrastructure in what has broken up criminal trials in India and where do the United States of America (US), United Kingdom (UK) and Germany stand in forensic analysis. In addition, evidence related to other emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence (AI), block chain technology, digital labelling, automated tracking systems and automated forensic databases are reviewed for their potential to enhance transparency, integrity and efficiencies of evidence management. Finally, the article concludes that better crime scene practices as well as an application of technology use with proper legal boundaries and a good chain of custody are necessary to secure the right to fair trial, protect against wrongful convictions, and promote public faith in our legal system.
Analytical toxicology using postmortem viscera, blood, or urine samples is the established method for the detection of poison or intoxicating substances in cases of fatal poisoning. Medico-legal postmortem cases with undiagnosed/concurrent COVID-19 infection posed a challenge to the autopsy surgeons during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, during the initial pandemic, confusion was encountered related to the retrieval of samples for analysis from autopsy procedures. Until clear guidelines were issued, analytical laboratories were also reluctant to analyse the samples due to the spread of the virus. Hence, the authors intend to share the experience of solving an intentional acid ingestion during the initial pandemic, adhering to Minimal/Non-invasive methods. The feasibility of using advanced radiological techniques like PMCT was explored in determining the cause of death for legal purposes in these circumstantially confirmed poisoning cases due to corrosives. The author here describes two different deaths due to corrosive ingestion, whose autopsy was conducted in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, of a tertiary institute. The police investigation and circumstantial evidence revealed the corrosive ingestion. In both scenarios, the deceased expired due to gastric perforation and related complications. The same findings were observed in Post Mortem Computed Tomography (PMCT) and corroborated with the conventional autopsy findings. These cases highlight the scientific use of the Virtual Autopsy using PMCT in concluding the cause of death for corrosive poisoning cases with clear-cut circumstantial evidence supplanting or at times substituting the explorative dissection and analytical techniques on a case-by-case basis.
The present work investigates the natural human ability to recognize and counter the negative impact of deepfake technology. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and machine learning play a crucial role in creating highly realistic synthetic media, known as deepfakes. Deepfakes have become a powerful tool for spreading misinformation and creating inappropriate content. Social media platforms are flooded with such synthetic media, raising serious concerns about the authenticity of digital information directly available to users. Moreover, there is a lack of knowledge and awareness among layman about the authenticity of such media. To address this issue, manual analysis of hundreds of deepfake images, focusing on identifying visual anomalies without the aid of specialized software or tools, is performed. Through this process, various visual markers are discovered, ranging from common to rare, that can help distinguish deepfake images. These indicators are intended to contribute to public awareness and enhance digital media literacy, helping social media users recognize and question the authenticity of deepfake media. This study highlights the importance of identifying visual anomalies and empowering the users to identify and safeguard themselves from deepfakes and its harmful impact.
Thermal burns remain a major cause of preventable mortality and produce progressive microscopic changes in vital organs. Correlating these alterations with the extent of burns and post-injury survival duration may improve the interpretation of burn deaths in forensic autopsies. To assess histopathological changes in lungs, liver, kidneys and spleen in fatal thermal burn cases and correlate these findings with total body surface area (TBSA) involvement and post-burn survival duration. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 84 medicolegal autopsy cases that died within 72 hours of sustaining thermal burns. Sections from lungs, liver, spleen and kidneys were examined using routine histopathology. TBSA was categorized into 0–30%, 31–60%, 61–90% and >90%. Survival duration was grouped as up to 24 hours, 24–48 hours and 48–72 hours. Demographic variables (age and gender) and available clinical/investigative information were noted. Most victims were females (83.3%) and belonged to the 21–40-year age group. The most pronounced histopathological alterations occurred in cases with 61–90% TBSA. In the lungs, alveolar congestion and edema predominated in deaths within 24 hours, whereas alveolar fibrin strands and widened septa were frequently observed after 48 hours. In the liver, hepatocytic congestion and portal inflammation were common in early deaths, progressing to focal hemorrhage and infarction/necrosis in prolonged-survival cases. Marked splenic congestion and hemorrhage were observed in early deaths, while infarction and follicular hyperplasia became more evident with increasing survival time. Renal changes shifted from interstitial edema and vascular congestion in early deaths to acute tubular necrosis and tubular/glomerular degeneration after 48 hours. Thermal burns produce characteristic, time-dependent and TBSA-dependent histopathological changes in visceral organs. Severe burns (61–90% TBSA) and prolonged survival (48–72 hours) are associated with maximal tissue damage. These findings support the forensic interpretation of burn deaths and may assist in distinguishing antemortem burn responses during autopsy.
Dental age estimation is a fundamental aspect of forensic science, paediatric dentistry, and orthodontics, often employed in both clinical and legal contexts. It is mainly important when birth records are unavailable or unreliable, such as in cases involving refugees, adoptees, or judicial age disputes. Teeth, unlike many other physiological markers, show a predictable and sequential pattern of development and mineralization, making them reliable indicators of biological maturity. Among the widely used methods, the Modified Demirjian Method and Nolla’s Method are prominent for assessing dental maturity. The designated group was taken to compare these methods and assess their accuracy in estimating the actual age of the players. This study was conducted in the department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, GMCH Chandigarh. A total of 180 players among the age group of 9 to 19 years, came to our department in November, 2024, for Age estimation for their Football Championship. Out of which 68 players required OPG for their age estimation. In our study we found that, the mean of actual age was approximately 15.73 years (±2.13 years). When their dental age was estimated using the Modified Demirjian Method, the average estimated age was found to be 17.40 years (±1.34 years), which tended to overestimate the actual chronological age in most cases. In contrast, the Nolla’s Method calculated a mean estimated age of 15.40 years (±1.70 years), which showed a tendency to underestimate the actual age. When their dental age was estimated using the Modified Demirjian Method, the average estimated age was found to be 17.40 years (±1.34 years), which tended to overestimate the actual chronological age in most cases. In contrast, the Nolla’s Method calculated a mean estimated age of 15.40 years (±1.70 years), which showed a tendency to
Age estimation is a critical component of forensic anthropology, assisting in the identi^ication of unknown individuals. The degree of cranial suture closure has long been associated with chronological age. This review aims to highlight the variability in age estimation based on cranial suture closure, with a focus on differences across studies, populations, and methodologies. The literature from the last 12 years has been studied and summarised. Key studies focusing on age estimation techniques and proposed models were selected, reviewed, and compared to understand the accuracy and trends in age estimation methods. The reviewed literature indicates that the onset of sagittal, coronal, and lambdoid suture fusion begins in the third decade of life, the completion age can vary from the fifth to seventh decades Statistical models showed moderate to weak correlations with age. The reliance on broad age interval estimates is a limitation in establishing precise age determinations in forensic science. The variability in reported fusion ages may be attributed to differences in population characteristics, sample sizes, methodological approaches, and scoring systems, which warrants population-specific models for forensic age estimation.
Ethical practice in the medical field has gained prominence as an essential component of professional conduct. However, existing research largely focuses on stakeholders’ attitudes rather than on actual bedside behaviour of physicians or variations across clinical settings such as outpatient departments (OPDs), wards, and emergencies. This observational study aims to assess the standards of patient care and ethical practice among physicians, with a focus on the influence of physician experience and work setting. It also seeks to identify potential causes for observed differences in clinical behaviour. A total of 75 physicians from five high-patient-load departments were observed in OPDs, wards, and emergency settings. A corroborated questionnaire was used to evaluate physician behaviour, with emphasis on patient-centredness, communication, and adherence to ethical norms. Data were analysed to compare performance across gender, years of experience, and clinical setting. A higher degree of patient-centric care was associated with male physicians and with increased years of experience, although some variations were noted. The outpatient setting recorded the highest scores, followed by emergency settings, with wards showing the lowest performance. Observable disparities in ethical and patient-centred behaviour were evident across settings and experience levels. The findings highlight significant variations in ethical practice and patient-centred care across clinical settings and levels of experience. These disparities underscore the need for targeted training, institutional support, and systemic reforms to strengthen ethical standards and preserve the integrity of the doctor–patient relationship.
The Medico-legal autopsies plays a vital component in the present Day-to-day forensic practices that aids in determining the cause, manner and circumstances of death in all unnatural or suspicious cases. Patterns observed in autopsy populations often reflect broader social and environmental influences. A spring related rise in suicidal behaviour has been noted in literature recently, possibly linked to Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the “Broken Promise Effect.” This current study evaluates the socio-demographic and medico-legal characteristics of autopsy cases in Almora, Uttarakhand. To determine the demographic pattern, seasonal trends, and medico-legal features of autopsies conducted between July 2024 and June 2025 at SSJGIMS&R, Almora, with special emphasis on suicidal deaths. This retrospective, descriptive study was conducted over a period of one year in the Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, SSJGIMS&R, Almora, on a total of 108 medico-legal autopsies. Data from autopsy records, inquest papers, and police documentation were analyzed for demographic variables, season, manner and cause of death, and system involvement. Among 108 cases under study, 54 (50%) cases were suicides ie most common manner of death, predominantly seen in males (75%), with the highest incidence in the age group 31–40-year. Maximum number of suicidal deaths(39.8%) occurred during Spring season, suggesting a strong seasonal pattern possibly influenced by SAD and the “Broken Promise Effect.” Hanging was the most common method of suicide. Findings in our study revealed that middle-aged urban males forms a high-risk group, with pronounced seasonal peaks in spring seasons in the Kumaon region of India. Recognizing environmental and psychosocial contributors is essential for prevention of such deaths in the future
Stature estimation from skeletal remains is crucial in forensic anthropology and medical identification. Long lower limb bones, notably the femur and tibia, predict height, but their correlation differs by population, requiring population-specific models. Bilateral right-left limb measurement discrepancies may further reduce accuracy. This study aimed to assess the correlation between stature and percutaneous femur and tibia lengths, evaluate bilateral asymmetry, and develop regression equations specific to adult North Indian males. A cross-sectional study was carried out on 250 healthy adult males, belonging to the age groups of 18-40 years, in North India. Stature, right and left femur length, and right and left tibia length were measured with the help of standard anthropometric techniques. Pearson’s correlation was utilized for determining the association between the bone lengths and stature. Bilateral asymmetry was tested using paired t-tests. Formulation of stature estimation equations was done through simple and multiple regression analysis. The statistical significance was defined as p < 0.05. All long-bone measures correlated positively with stature (p < 0.001). The right femur had the strongest correlation (r = 0.924), followed by the right tibia (0.861), left tibia (0.837), and left femur (0.825). Significant bilateral asymmetry was found in femur and tibia lengths (p < 0.001). According to simple linear regression models, the right femur is the most trustworthy predictor (R² = 0.854; Standard Error of Estimate, SEE = ±4.156 cm). The multiple regression model encompassing all four bone lengths demonstrated strong predictive power (R² = 0.855, p < 0.001); only the right femur was significant because of multicollinearity. The lengths of the femur and tibia are significant predictors of height in adult North Indian males, with the right femur exhibiting the greatest accuracy. Pronounced bilateral asymmetry points to the need for side-specific regression models, in particular, in the forensic cases of incomplete remains. The population-specific equations obtained provide solid tools for forensic and anthropological applications.
Firecracker-related injuries during festival celebrations like Diwali are of important public health concern. These injuries vary from minor wounds to severe amputations and vision loss, often hurting young individuals. Here, in these case series we discuss about three such blast injury cases emphasizing the urgent need for preventive measures, prompt trauma care, and attention to medicolegal aspects. Case-1: A 13-year-old boy suffered from traumatic amputation of his right hand at the level of carpal bones along with minor abrasions on the neck, left thigh, and face with hemodynamic stability after a firecracker blast on November 1, 2024. Case-2: A 19-year-old male sustained superficial burns on his face, hands, and left foot along with third-degree corneal chemical burn in his left eye, leading to vision loss while mixing firecracker powder at home. Despite normal vital signs, he was needed immediate medical and ophthalmologic care for his injuries. Case-3: 64-year-old male during an attempt to assemble a gas cylinder in his home sustained severe and complex injuries resulting from a devastating gas cylinder blast incident by a gas leak ignited by nearby fire crackers as a part of Diwali celebrations. The ignition caused a powerful explosion, leading to extensive trauma to multiple regions on the patient’s body. After the explosion the patient became unconscious and was immediately transported to the hospital. Upon admission, he was in hypovolemic shock with unrecordable blood pressure needing aggressive fluid resuscitation to stabilize his condition. These cases emphasise the hazards of improper firecracker use. The first case shows the severe impact of high-energy blasts resulting in limb amputation. In complement, the second case shows the outcomes of performing experiments with explosive materials, leading to significant ocular injury. The third case highlights about the correlation of multiple factors—a gas leak, festive firecracker ignition, and severe blast injuries—occurring all together. All cases call attention to the importance of safety precautions, public awareness, and the requirement for swift medical intervention. They also highlight medicolegal issues, like adhering with safety regulations and addressing negligence. Firecracker injuries can be prevented on a largescale with the help of adequate public education, stricter safety laws, and responsible supervision by adults especially during the festival seasons. From a forensic stand, detailed description of the injuries like traumatic amputation and chemical burns, are necessary for forensic analysis of the remnants of firecrackers or explosive materials.
Snakebite envenomation represents a signi^icant global health concern with approximately 81,000-138,000 annual deaths worldwide, disproportionately affecting South Asia and sub-Saharan Africa. Postmortem diagnosis of snakebite remains challenging when clinical history is ambiguous, or bite marks are absent. Venom-induced acute kidney injury produces characteristic histopathological changes that persist after death. The Mukhopadhyay’s scoring system evaluates specific renal histopathological findings to provide an objective framework for postmortem snakebite diagnosis, particularly valuable in resource-limited settings where advanced diagnostic techniques are inaccessible. To determine the renal changes at autopsy in snake bite victims using the diagnostic criteria Mukhopadhyay’s Score (MS). This observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Government Villupuram Medical College (Tamil Nadu) from January 2022 to December 2024. 82 cases were examined after obtaining informed consent from their families. Sociodemographic data and samples for gross and histopathological examination were collected. Renal findings were scored using Mukhopadhyay’s criteria based on lesion type, distribution, and severity. Statistical analysis examined associations between demographic characteristics, MS scores, and DF distribution. The study population had a mean age of 45 years, with most of the victims aged >50 years. Haemotoxic envenomation accounted for 58.54% of fatalities. Chi-square analysis revealed signi^icant associations between age >50 years and both MS Score (p=0.012) and envenomation type (p=0.003). Gross examination of both the kidney showed hemorrhage in medulla, while histopathology picture demonstrated progression of renal damage from minimal congestion to diffuse tubular necrosis corresponding with increasing MS scores (0 to 2). This study confirms the utilization of Mukhopadhyay’s score as an effective tool for postmortem snakebite diagnosis through characteristic renal histopathological changes. The significant association between higher age and renal damage severity provides important forensic and clinical insights. The progressive relationship between MS scores and renal pathology offers reliable diagnostic criteria applicable in resource-constrained settings such as our country.
Drowning remains a significant yet preventable cause of unintentional mortality worldwide. This study explores the epidemiological and medico-legal aspects of drowning-related fatalities based on autopsy records in a tertiary care setting in Ambala, Haryana. The study was carried out to identify patterns in age, gender, seasonality, place, and manner of drowning among victims subjected to postmortem examination, and to determine the most vulnerable groups. A retrospective descriptive analysis was conducted over 12 years (2013–2024) using autopsy and police inquest records. The study comprises 62 cases that met the inclusion criteria and were studied for demographic and circumstantial variables. The data was tabulated, and descriptive data analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel 2021. Drowning accounted for 3.3% of all medicolegal autopsies. Males constituted the majority (88.7%), and the highest incidence was among individuals aged 11-20 years (29%). The majority of the victims were from rural areas (75.8%) and were mostly daily-wage laborers (35.5%), followed by students (24.2%). The peak drowning season was monsoon, constituting 43.5% of cases, with canals being the most frequent site (61.3%) of these drownings. Accidental drowning (64.5%) was the predominant manner of death. Froth from the mouth or nostrils was observed in 64.5% cases. The decomposition changes were present in 53.2% of the autopsied bodies. This study highlights critical patterns in drowning-related deaths in Northern Haryana. The findings underline the need for targeted community awareness, improved water safety infrastructure, and region-specific prevention strategies.
Reconstructing stature from fragmented remains is an important part of the forensic identifying process. However, when non-native or skeletal-based regression equations applied to Indian populations, the errors are likely to be high in a view of ethnic differences in limb ratios. The objective of this study was to establish population-specific regression models for the estimation of stature using percutaneous measurements of long bones, arm span and digital segments in a North Indian young adult sample. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 150 healthy North Indian students (77 males, 73 females) aged between 19 and 21 years. Stature, arm span and percutaneous lengths of the humeri, radii, ulnae, femora and tibiae as well as hand/ finger dimensions were taken. The formulas were calculated by regression analysis according to sex, based on Pearson’s correlation. Sexual dimorphism was seen for all p< 0.001). The arm span correlated best with stature in men (r=0.68) and women (r=0.81), with the lowest SEE. Among the long bones, tibia and ulna were the most consistent predictors. Interestingly, digital dimensions such as index finger and hand length were found to be robust proxies when excluding principal long bones. The resulting percutaneous models showed superior performance compared with existing skeletal standards. This research emphasizes that it is important to apply regional, sex-specific regression formulas in forensic practice. Arm span and hand measurements can be used in place of conventional long bone measures among North Indians.
Bromisovalum (a-bromoisovalerylurea or BVU, also known as Bromisoval) is an uncommon cause of poisoning-related deaths in India. Once prescribed for its sedative effects, it carries a high risk of fatal overdose, whether accidental or intentional. A 32-year-old chronic alcoholic man presented to the hospital complaining of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea with the alleged history of intake of some poisonous substance. He died within 24 hours despite supportive measures. Autopsy revealed acute intoxication signs like an edematous brain, congested and voluminous and pale lungs, on dissection of both the lungs, reddish colored fluid was coming out, and the stomach contained about 100 ml greenish-brown colored viscous material mixed with semi-digested food particles. The mucosa of the stomach was pale, and a few submucosal hemorrhages were present. Forensic toxicology confirmed bromisovalum in his system, alongside a blood alcohol concentration of 90.50 mg% ± 1.80%. The fatal potential of bromisovalum and its significance were taken into consideration, as this case highlights unusual presentations. Regulation of its availability in India is necessary to stop similar incidents in the future.
