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Keywords
Forensic medicine
Medicolegal autopsy
Cause of death
How to Cite
Abstract
Background: Unnatural deaths represent a major medicolegal and public health challenge, particularly in developing countries. Forensic medicine plays a crucial role in determining the cause and manner of death through systematic autopsy and scientific analysis. Accurate medicolegal investigations are essential for delivering justice and reliable mortality statistics. This study aimed to evaluate the sociodemographic profile, manner and causes of unnatural deaths and the medicolegal contributions of forensic medicine in death investigations. Methods & Materials: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted at the Department of Forensic Medicine, Bangladesh Medical University, Dhaka, from July 2024 to June 2025. A total of 120 medicolegal autopsy cases of unnatural deaths were included in this study. Data were collected from autopsy findings, police inquiry reports and laboratory investigations. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 25.0. Results: Most deaths occurred among individuals aged 21–30 years, with a marked male predominance. Accidental deaths were the most common manner of death, followed by suicidal and homicidal deaths. Road traffic injuries were the leading cause of death, followed by mechanical asphyxia. Forensic medicine established the cause of death in all cases and contributed significantly to the determination of the manner of death, corroboration with police investigations and expert opinions for judicial proceedings. Conclusion: Forensic medicine is indispensable in investigating unnatural deaths, providing scientific evidence essential for legal adjudication and public health planning.
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