JIST

Abstract

Poisoning is a significant medico-legal and public health issue in India, accounting for a considerable proportion of accidental and intentional deaths. This paper examines the trends in poisoning cases using data from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB), highlighting the common agents, Demographic patterns, and regional variations. It also explores the challenges faced by forensic toxicologists and medico-legal professionals in investigating and managing poisoning cases. Special attention is given to the surge in suicidal poisoning cases post-COVID19 and the absence of toxicological databases, which adversely impacts forensic investigations and policy making. The lack of centralized and comprehensive toxicological data complicates the identification of poisoning patterns, delays judicial proceedings, and hinders the formulation of targeted public health policies. Strengthening toxicological databases can significantly improve the quality of forensic investigations and provide actionable insights for regulatory frameworks. This paper provides r e commenda tions for improving for ensi c infrastructure, adopting advanced analytical techniques, and implementing preventive strategies to mitigate the incidence and impact of poisoning in India.