Medico-legal autopsy study of alleged dowry deaths - a two year cross-setional study

Background: In India, dowry is a rising social evil contributing to female mortality. Aims: To evaluate the socio-demographic profile of alleged dowry victims. Materials and Methods: Cross-sectional study of 84 alleged dowry deaths stratifying the sociodemographic pattern of alleged dowry deaths. Results: 57.1% were from 21to30 years of age group. Maximum females were illiterate (39.3%), housewives (77.4%) and from lower socio-economic strata of society. Victims were brought dead with 50% cases involving 71-90% of total body surface area. 29.8% were hospitalized. In 88.57 % of suicidal cases, menstruation was noted.39.29% deaths were within 1st year of marriage. In 84.84% cases, dowry was provocating factor. In 50 % cases, Asphyxia was the cause of death. Conclusion: Domestic abuse and dowry were significant provocative factors for dowry deaths. Keywords: Alleged dowry deaths, Suicides, Menstruation, Asphyxia.