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ABSTRACT
Chitradurga District, the fort city is one of the prominent historical places in Central Karnataka of India. With an area of 8440 square kilometers and a population of 151 thousand across 1059 villages, the district is dependent mainly on agricultural economy. Majority of farmers are dependent on rainwater harvesting for agriculture, and failure of monsoon will in turn spike the poverty and death rates by suicide as a result of inability to pay up loans. Death by means of hanging forms the 3rd common cause of unnatural death after head injury and poisoning. Suicide by means of hanging forms the 2nd common cause of unnatural death after poisoning.
In this retrospective observational study conducted during January 2009 to December 2010, a total number of 96 cases of hanging were reported. Males (71.87%) were predominantly affected than females (28.12%) with male to female ratio being 2.5:1. Majority (46.87%) of the victims was in the age group of 21 - 30 yrs and belonged to lower socio economic status. Most of the victims were from the rural area and the financial problem was identified as the main reason for suicide (62%). Out of 96 cases, homicidal allegations were made in four cases.
Keywords: Hanging, Ligature Material, Hyoid Bone, Socio Economic Status, Cause of Death.
INTRODUCTION
In the last 12 years, from 1997-2008, there have been nearly a whopping two lakh farmer suicides in India, a disturbing 67% of these in just the five big states of Karnataka, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh1.
The percentage of suicides recorded in Kerala, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and Goa was higher than in Maharashtra. From 2000-01 to 2005-06, around 8,600 farmers committed suicide in Karnataka, and the relief packages announced by the Central Government for Karnataka is by far less than 10 times as compared to the States which are very less affected.
In Andhra Pradesh, 3000 farmers committed suicide in the last five years, owing to debt trap, drought and crop failure. On average, 70 farmers a week are committing suicide, in spite of relief schemes like free electricity, waiver of debts, and financial assistance.
Karnataka in general has a vast tract of disproportionate drought-prone area. The northern districts of Karnataka are considered backward compared...