FOUR-YEAR RETROSPECTIVE PROFILING OF THE UNKNOWN/UNCLAIMED AUTOPSY CASES

Abstract

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The aim and objectives of the present study are profiling the unknown/unclaimed dead bodies.

Methods: The study conducted was a retrospective analysis spanning four years, examining all unknown or unclaimed autopsies performed at the mortuary of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology in Government Medical College, Amritsar, Punjab, India, covering the period from January 1, 2020, to December 31, 2023.

Results: The overall cases of unknown/unclaimed deaths reported in four years were 243(18.2%) of the total autopsy cases conducted. The majority of the unknown autopsy cases were males. A significant proportion of cases, 101 (41.6%), were attributed to natural disease processes, followed by rail/road traffic injuries in 24 (9.9%) cases. Poisoning accounted for 10 (4.1%) deaths, while drowning resulted in 9 (3.7%) cases. The cause of death remained undetermined in 17 (7%) cases. However, in 81 (33.3%) cases, pending viscera reports delayed the declaration of the cause of death.

Conclusion: The government must make earnest endeavors to ensure food and shelter for all citizens, thus alleviating the incidence of such deaths. Implementing efficient and expedited identification methods, in conjunction with coordinated efforts among law enforcement agencies, is imperative to establish the identities of individuals in such circumstances. This undertaking holds significance not only for statistical purposes but also for the overall well-being and dignity of the populace.