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Exhumation - Nuisance to the dead, justified?
Farhat Hussain Mirza1, Syeda Ezz-e-Rukhshan Adil, Akhtar Amin Memon
1Dow Medical College, Karachi, Pakistan. captdrmirza@hotmail.com
Journal of Forensic and Legal Medicine
|August 1, 2012
Summary
Forensic exhumations in Karachi helped determine the cause of death in 74.3% of cases, with head injuries and strangulation being most common. This process aids legal proceedings and provides closure for families.
Area of Science:
- Forensic Pathology
- Legal Medicine
Background:
- Exhumation is crucial in forensic investigations for determining cause of death.
- Legal excavation of bodies aids law enforcement in suspicious cases and homicides.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze aspects of exhumations and autopsies conducted in Karachi.
- To assess the effectiveness of exhumations in forensic investigations.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study.
- Inclusion of all exhumations performed in Karachi over 7 years and 7 months (Jan 2004 - Jul 2011).
Main Results:
- 101 exhumations were conducted (62.4% males, 37.6% females).
- Cause of death was determined in 75 cases (74.3% success rate).
- Most frequent causes: head injury (17.8%) and asphyxia due to strangulation (15.8%).
Conclusions:
- Judicial orders for exhumation are vital in suspicious cases for determining cause of death and securing convictions.
- Exhumations offer satisfaction to families and resolve doubts.
- Urban cases receive significant attention from determined relatives seeking answers post-burial.
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