At autopsy of a suspected custodial death, the pathologist finds multiple contusions in various stages of healing on the trunk and thighs, subconjunctival hemorrhages, and faint linear marks on the wrists consistent with ligature restraint. The cause of death is pulmonary embolism from a deep vein thrombosis. Under Indian law, this death MUST be treated as:

• A A custodial death requiring mandatory reporting to the National Human Rights Commission and a magistrate-supervised autopsy ✓
• B Accidental death as pulmonary embolism is a natural complication of immobilisation
• C A natural death as the final mechanism (PE) is physiological
• D A suicidal death pending further investigation

Explanation

Any death occurring in police custody is a custodial death and falls under Section 176(1A) CrPC (now BNSS equivalent), which mandates judicial inquiry by a First Class Magistrate. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) must be notified of all custodial deaths within 24 hours by the District Magistrate or the police. Multiple healing contusions, restraint marks, and subconjunctival haemorrhages indicate ante-mortem trauma, making the PE a complication of custodial conditions rather than a purely natural event, establishing the nexus required for custodial death classification.

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

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.