Hesitation cuts in a case of suicidal incised wounds are characteristically:

• A Deep, penetrating, single wound
• B Irregular, deep wounds at multiple sites
• C A single wound with tailing at both ends
• D Multiple, superficial, parallel wounds beside the main wound ✓

Explanation

Hesitation marks (tentative wounds) are multiple, superficial, parallel incised wounds typically found adjacent to the main suicidal cut, most commonly on the wrists or neck. They indicate the victim attempted to self-inflict the wound multiple times before the definitive cut and are strong evidence of suicidal intent rather than homicide.

Reference: The Essentials of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Narayan Reddy), 34th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.