most common targeted area in murders

ABSTRACT

To identify the most targeted area in homicidal injuries which may be helpful in crime control in society. Retrospective and observational study. This study was carried out on 5 years autopsies reports collected from THQ Hospital Taxila from 2009 to 2013 and analysis was done with emphasis on most common targeted area of the body during this period. Autopsy registers containing reports from 2009 to 2013, along with police papers and treatment notes were taken from THQ Hospital Taxila and analyzed with reference to most targeted area, kind of weapon used, age, sex, injury pattern and nature of injuries During total 5 year tenure total 279 autopsies were conducted. Among total 279 autopsies 234 [83.87%] dead bodies were of males while only 45 [16.13%] were belonged to females. 138 [49.46%] dead bodies were of adult age between 20-40 years, among these 112 [81.16%] belonged to males and 26 [18.84%] to females. In 88 [31.54%] cases head was targeted. The 2[nd] most common area of target was the chest, 76 [27.24%] persons were hit on the chest. In 33 [11.83%] persons abdomen was the target while 28[10.04%] bodies were with neck injuries. Firearm was the most common weapon causing 177 [63.44%] deaths. Blunt weapon remained the 2[nd] mostly used weapon claiming 22 [7.88%] lives. Use of sharp edged weapon was restricted only to 7 [2.5%] persons. In total 40 cases [14.34%] no cause of death could be found. The analysis may offer some help to bring the crimes under control