A study of fatal gunshot injuries over two years in Mumbai, India

Introduction: In Mumbai region of India very few studies had done on fatal firearm deaths. So pattern wise distribution of firearm injury and demographic pattern of deceased were largely uncovered. Present study is an attempt to uncover some of the data related with firearm deaths in Mumbai region. Materials and Method: Present study was conducted at mortuary of tertiary referral hospital in Mumbai with aim to analyse fatal firearm deaths with respect of demographic data, injury pattern, manner of death, probable weapon and other post-mortem findings among the deceased and compared it with the pattern seen in other studies. Results: During study period from august 2011 to august 2013 total 43 autopsy on fatal firearm deaths were carried out. 74.4% deceased were victims of homicidal attacks, 21% of suicide and 4.6% of accidental deaths. Maximum suicidal firearm deaths were done by police persons (66%). Male from 21-30 age group were most common deceased in firearm deaths. Chest (36.9%) was most common site of involvement of entry wound of firearm. Pistol or revolver weapon most commonly used (51.17%) in both homicide and suicide cases. The most common reason behind the homicidal firearm death or killing of person was the personal rivalry (46.51%).