A Retrospective Study of Hanging Cases in Central Delhi Based on Autopsy Findings.

This study examines hanging-related deaths over a ve-year period (January 2018 to December 2022) at LNJP Hospital New Delhi. Among 3,699 post-mortem cases, 169 (4.56%) were due to hanging. Most cases were aged 11-50 years (91.12%), with males (66.86%) and females (33.13%) affected. Common causes were nancial issues, unemployment, and poverty. Married individuals accounted for 43.78% of cases. Hanging cases peaked in November and March. The majority occurred at residences (95.85%) and resulted in immediate death (95.85%). Nylon ropes were frequently used (40.23% males, sarees 20.11% females). Atypical hanging (88.16%) was more common than typical (11.83%). Ligature marks were mostly above the thyroid cartilage (89.34%) and parchmentized (100%). Physical signs included bluish discoloration, subconjunctival hemorrhage, and protrusion of the tongue. Internal exams showed larynx and trachea congestion (84.61%) and subcutaneous tissue showed whitish glistering underneath the ligature mark (87.57%). The primary cause of death was suicidal hanging (95.85% mechanical asphyxia, 4.14% hypoxic brain injury). This study offers insights into hanging-related deaths within a specic context.