A STUDY OF HOMICIDAL DEATHS IN MIRPUR DISTRICT OF KASHMIR, PAKISTAN

Background: Homicide means killing of a human being by the conduct of another human being. In the present study we assessed the pattern of homicide in Mirpur district of Azad Jammu Kashmir, Pakistan. Material Methods: This was a descriptive study conducted at the District Headquarter Hospital, Mirpur, Kashmir from 1st January 2011 to 31st December 2011. All medico-legal autopsies and corresponding police inquests were included and information entered in performas. Different variables like sex, age, type of weapon used, site of injury, place of occurrence and mode of death were recorded. Results: A total of 88 medico-legal autopsies were conducted during the study period. Out of these 80 cases were declared homicidal deaths. Most of these, 36.25% were of young age group i.e. 20-30 years followed by 10-20 years age group (16.25%). Firearms were the most frequently used and chest area was the commonest site of injury. Conclusion: Homicide rate in Mirpur district of Kashmir is 8 per 100,000 of population. Males are affected more as compared to females. Mostly young people between 20 and 30 years of age are the victims. Homicidal deaths are mostly by firearm weapons and chest is the most common site of injury