Value of crime scene visit in an unusual accidental electrocution death - A case report

Abstract

The advent of electricity, modernization and industrialization are boon to mankind but at the same time there is rise of accidental deaths due to flouting of safety norms, callousness and ignorance. Electrical injuries are common, and fatalities are rare but not uncommon. It is often difficult to locate the site of entry and how it would have occurred. The source of leakage of electricity is very important to conclude and as well prevent mortality and morbidity in future. Often, dogmatic opinion is a must to claim compensation. The Forensic Expert should visit the death scene before the autopsy at least in complicated cases (if it is feasible), and especially when one fails to come to a logical conclusion by perusal of the documents like sketches, photographs etc. prepared by the crime scene investigation team. Many intriguing medicolegal deaths may be resolved amicably by death scene investigation. A visit by forensic expert to the scene of crime helps in observing the body in the context of its surroundings. One can pick up relevant trace evidences to arrive at crucial conclusions viz. time since death, aid investigating officer to trace the accused. Autopsy surgeon can correlate & interpret findings during autopsy. A rare case of electrocution is presented where the site of exit of electricity was confusing. The Autopsy surgeon’s scene visit cleared the doubts and enabled the investigating officer to accurately comprehend the manner of death, entry and exit, and cause of death.