RESUMO
A ten-year retrospective study was carried out on the cases of unnatural deaths subjected to medicolegal autopsies from 1994 to 2003. The main objectives of the study were: a) To ascertain the various aspects of unnatural deaths, b) To analyze the probable reasons for the same & c) To find remedial measures to bring down the incidence. The incidence of unnatural deaths was found to be persistently increasing. Maximum number of such deaths 1342 (47%) belonged to the age group of 21 - 30 years. Male: female ratio was 2.2: 1. Rural population was more prone to poisoning whereas the urban became victim of road-traffic accidents. Males preferred poisoning and hanging whereas females preferred self-immolation (burns) to end their awn lives. Suggestions relating to road safety, decreasing the stress of the modem mechanical life-style, educating the public in general and regarding the availability, use and storage of poisonous substances in particular have been put forward, while highlighting the social evil of dowry system prevailing in India.