ABSTRACT
Hanging is the most common method of suicide all over the world; it is mostly suicidal in manner unless the contrary can be proved. The constricting force over the neck is due to the gravitational pull of body weight, causing asphyxiation and leading to death. Complete hanging is when there is complete suspension of the body, and partial hanging is when any part of the body touches the ground during suspension. Hanging can also be classified based on position of knot and manner of death. Postmortem examination of asphyxial death cases need detailed examination of external and internal findings along with ruling out possible artefacts. There are other possible injuries during hanging apart from the ligature mark that need to be interpreted properly. Due to great variability seen among external findings, unusual positions and places in which the deceased bodies are found, disputes arise among relatives and public against the conclusion of suicidal manner opined by the autopsy surgeons. Careful examination, documentation and interpretation are needed to rule out the possibilities of postmortem suspension and homicidal hanging, though these cases are extremely rare in routine practice.
