BLUNT AND SHARP WEAPON DYNAMICS IN HOMICIDAL FATAL TRAUMA FORENSICS: INSIGHTS FROM THE MORTUARY OF SHEIKH ZAYED MEDICAL COLLEGE, RAHIM YAR KHAN.

Abstract

Objective: To analyze the patterns of homicidal fatal blunt and sharp injuries and their correlation with weapon types using data from the mortuary of Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan. Study Design: Cross sectional (descriptive) study. Settings: Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Sheikh Zayed Medical College, Rahim Yar Khan Pakistan. Duration: Five years, (1^st January, 2019 to 31^st December, 2023) Methods: Non-probability convenient sampling technique. Information collected from police papers, hospital record & autopsy reports entered on pre-designed performa. Statistical analysis is done by SPSS version 26. Results: Male victims were 72.1% as compared to 27.9% Females. The age group 21-30 and 31-40 years both account for the highest number of cases, with average age of 34.78 years. Most victims belong to peri-urban areas 65.11%. Hard blunt weapons are the most frequently associated fatal injuries, both single and multiple, accounting for 72.09% of the total, with a larger proportion of cases resulting in multiple fatal injuries 55.81%. Head injuries account for the majority of both single and multiple fatal injury cases, with 65.11%.

Conclusion: Blunt objects were the more common cause of fatal injuries as compared to sharp edged weapons. Males were predominantly affected, particularly young adults. This study provides insights into the dynamics of homicidal fatal blunt and sharp injuries and the weapons involved, which can inform authorized personnel for strategies to prevent and for further Forensic investigations.