Custodial Death

by
Prof. Dr.Mosahef Uddin Ahmmed
Professor & Head
Department of Forensic Medicine
Bangladesh Medical Colege
Custodial death

Origin of the word ‘Custody’

The word ‘Custody’ has been derived from Latin word ‘custos odis’ meaning guardian.

Custodial Death
Defination:
Death occurring in some form of custodial detention is commonly known as death in
custody,such as police cell or prison.It should
also include death resulting from police or prison officers attempting to detain a criminal or a
person escaping or attempting to escape from police custody or prison.

Causes/Circumstances of custodial death

A)During Arrest
B)During Lockup
Cont……..
A)During Arrest:
1)Traumatic asphyxia:occur if the
offender resists arrest,and a number of policemen fall upon him to overpower him.
2)Hog tying:in which the person is placed in prone position with his wrists & ankles bound
behind is back & secured by a cord & rarely death may occur due to asphyxia.
3)Choke Hold:is designed to
Cont……
Occlude the airways by forearm compression of the front of the neck & death may occur
due to asphyxia.
4)Carotid sleeper hold:designed to occlude common carotid artery by compression
producing transient cerebral ishchaemia .
cont…….
B)During lockup:
a)Physical injury:
.may be sustained before he was arrested & during arrest & may die.
.torture by kicking,stampin,blow over different parts of the body may cause severe damage&
death..drunken offender may fall on a hard surface on the occiput.

2) Intoxication:
.Severely intoxicated offender may die of acute alcohol poisoning.
.Illicit drug carrier may swallow drugs to avoid detention on being caught & may die
suddenly.

3)Suicide in the custody is common,

.common method is hanging.
.may also include consuming poisons,jumping from height,cutting throat or a large blood
vessel.

4)Natural causes:Death may also occur due to natural causes,usually cardiovascular.

Autopsy of a case of Custodial death
Prior performing post mortem examination,it is necessary to visit the scene of crime&
careful search should be made of-
.position of the body
.trace evidence left any like left over food,drinks,any means of self suspension etc.
.any evidence of dragging of body.
Autopsy surgeon should keep in mind that in

case of custodial death,inquest report is prepared by magistrate.

Incissions at autopsy deserve special attention.In addition to the usual Y shaped front
incision,back side of the body need to be scrutinized especially against regions of
shoulders,buttocks,back of the thighs & calf muscles.

Findigs:
External findings:
a)Signs of violence like bruise,abrasion,lacerations of different size & shape may be found
over different parts of the body.
b)Some bruise may be patterned showing the imprint of causative weapon.
c)Skull may be found fractured.
d) Fracture, dislocation of different bones & joints may be found.
e)Signs of asphyxia may be present
Internal Findings:
a)Viscera may be found ruptured.
b)Intestines may be found torned.
c)Testis shoul be inspected for any marks of violence.
d)Spinal cord should be examined for any marks of violence .
***In case of female victim,signs of sexual assault & pregnancy should also be excluded.

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