THE PATTERN AND FATALITY OF WEAPONS USED IN HOMICIDE DEATH

Homicide death is the highest level of aggression found in all cultures. Incidence of homicide is on the rise worldwide and pattern is also changing except for the motive, type of weapon used in homicide. Homicide means killing of one human being, as a result of conduct of another. All over the world weapons are commonly used for killing a person. Weapons are defined as ‘These are means or mechanical devices, which when applied in a hostile manner will produce lesions or wounds. The present prospective study from January 2010 to December 2020 for a period of 11 years. The data for the study was collected from Kundara police station in Kollam district. It was observed that out of the total 60 established cases of homicides. 23 deaths were reported due to a weapon used in homicide death. Easy access and high lethality make knife is most commonly used weapons in homicide death. The most preferred sites of assault were head and even an isolated injury over these areas can prove fatal. Although most of the victims died due to spot death. The primary motive for homicide is alcohol intoxication. The familial issues between husband and wife also plays a significant role in cases of homicidal death. The present study aimed to determine the relationship between fatality of injury and nature of the weapons in homicide death. The fatal head injuries are mainly caused by wood, stone, iron rod, axe, and glass bottle.