Homicide pattern in District Haripur

Abstract

Background: Homicide is defined as killing of a human being by the conduct of another human being.This study was conducted to determine the pattern of homicide in district Haripur. Methods: All medico-legal autopsy reports conducted in DHQ Hospital Haripur, by Department of Forensic Medicine, Abbottabad International Medical College, Abbottabad, from 1st January, 2009 to 31st December, 2010 and police inquest reports of the respective cases were studied. Results: A total of 196 cases of medico-legal autopsies were studied, out of which 148 were declared as homicidal deaths. The most common weapons used for homicide were firearm weapons.The most affected age group was 21 to 30 years followed by 11 to 20 years and 31 to 40 years. Male to Female ratio was 2.4:1. The causes of death were damage to vital organs, hemorrhage and shock. Conclusion: The cases of homicide in district Haripur are mostly by firearm weapons. Male are affected more than females. The most common age group affected is 21 to 30 years.