Question

A dead body was recovered from near a pond by the police. During autopsy, the following finding was observed. The below phenomenon is due to

• A. Case of torture in hot water
• B. Case of postmortem hanging
• C. Case of immersion in water for 36 hours
• D. Case of colliquative liquefaction

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

In forensic medicine, determining the changes a body undergoes postmortem is crucial for understanding various phenomena related to the cause and duration of death. The question here focuses on a body found near a pond, with specific autopsy findings.

The options provided indicate different postmortem conditions linked to different environmental factors or scenarios. Understanding each might provide insight into the correct choice:

• Case of torture in hot water: This would typically lead to burns, scalds, or tissue damage resulting from exposure to high temperatures. Findings would include skin blistering or charring.
• Case of postmortem hanging: This condition shows features like a ligature mark, neck compression signs, and often a visibly extended neck due to hanging.
• Case of immersion in water for 36 hours: Prolonged immersion leads to specific changes like cutis anserina and washerwoman skin, more commonly termed maceration of the skin, often appearing white and wrinkled due to prolonged water exposure.
• Case of colliquative liquefaction: This refers to advanced decomposition characterized by the liquefaction of tissues due to enzymatic actions outside the body.

The correct choice is based on the scenario mentioned in the question. A body immersed in water for an extended duration, such as 36 hours, will typically show signs of blanching and wrinkling of the skin due to water imbibition—key indicators of the Case of immersion in water for 36 hours.