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Background: Cannabis is among the earliest mind-altering drugs known to man and has been around for at least 4000 years. Today it is world's most commonly used illicit drug, with more than 300 million regular users. The aim of the study is detection of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in urine using immunochromatographic assay-a qualitative method. Materials and method: Retrospective study was done based on the report of urine tests conducted in the Dept. of Forensic Medicine in one year from July 2022 to June 2023. Consent from the individual brought for examination by the police. Results and Conclusion: Total 118 cases were studied; all were males among which 93were positive and 25negative. It is a preliminary screening test for cannabis substance abuse which will help the Police for further investigation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Electricity is essential for modern human life and is extensively used for domestic and occupational purposes both in developed and developing countries. Electrical injuries are becoming an emerging health problem in low-income countries due to extensive usage of electricity by general public and less awareness of safety issues among them. The present study is a retrospective study undertaken in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, to determine the electrocution deaths brought for autopsy during the period of January 2015 to December 2017. Total 34 cases were studied and it was observed that all electrocution-related deaths are accidental in nature, common in males between age group of 21-30 years. Workplace and household surroundings are commonest place of accidents, and electric cable wires are the commonest agent. The most common sites of electrical contact wound were the upper extremities, abrasions and contusions were the most common non fatal mechanical injuries in electrocution deaths. In conclusion, death due to electrocution should be investigated properly for the purpose of compensation and safety measures as it is one of the preventable causes of death. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adolescence is a transitional stage of physical and psychological development that generally occurs during the period from puberty to legal adulthood. During transition from childhood to adulthood people are exposed to various hazards having potentiality to lead to unnatural deaths by distorting physical, mental and social wellbeing. Studying pattern of unnatural deaths helps stakeholders to formulate policies for prevention of loss of important human resource. The present study is a retrospective study undertaken in the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences, Hubballi, to determine the pattern of adolescents deaths (10-19 years) brought for autopsy during the period of January 2016 to December 2016. Total 82 cases were studied and it was observed that the incidence rate of adolescent deaths was 6.49% among which 43were males (52.43%) and 39 females (47.56%). Rural deaths were higher when compared to urban, accidental deaths were the highest and road traffic accidents followed by poisoning and burns were the commonest causes of deaths. In conclusion, behavior change communication of parents, teachers, career guides, office masters, law keepers etc. for fostering congenial environment for upbringings of adolescents is needed to prevent unnatural deaths. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study evaluated deaths due to hanging over a period of one year (January 2014 - December2014) in the Department of Forensic Medicine and ToxicologyatKarnataka Institute of Medical Sciences,Hubballi,Karnataka. There were total of 83 cases with males (61.4%) and females (38.6%). The highest incidence (39.8%) was seen in age group of 21 – 30 years. Majority (89.2%) victims preferred indoor sites (inside their residence and hotel rooms) for committing hanging.Family conflicts were the commonest factor responsible (54.2%) for hanging in majority of victims.Rope was the commonest material used for hanging (40.9%), followed by saree (24.1%), veil (21.7%). Majority (74.7%) of the victims showed atypical hanging, with knot present other than nape of neck and 25.3% victims showed typical hanging with knot present over nape of neck. Majority 67.4% victims used fixed noose and 32.6% victims used running noose. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]