JIST

Abstract

In most parts of India, in cases of medicolegal autopsy where poisoning is suspected, the final opinion as to the cause of death is generally kept reserved, pending the chemical analysis report from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). This study analyzes the time consumed at various levels, right from the dispatch of the viscera after preservation, to giving the final opinion regarding the exact cause of death. It comprises a retrospective analysis conducted between January 1996 and December 2003 in the mortuary of Kasturba hospital, Manipal, India. The results indicate that the average time taken by the police to transport the viscera from the Mortuary to the FSL was 15-30 days in 59 cases (38.1%). In 74.1% of the cases, the chemical examiner had taken 1-3 months to furnish the toxicological report. In more than 50% of cases, the police had taken 1-3 months to produce the chemical examiner’s report, needed for the final opinion regarding the cause of death. In all the cases, the Forensic Pathologist concerned gave the opinion as to the cause of death on the same day of the receipt of chemical examiner’s report. The study indicates that by establishing Departmental Toxicological Laboratories at respective autopsy centers, such delays in furnishing the cause of death can be minimized.