ABSTRACT
Strangulation is an asphyxial death where there is constriction of the neck by either hands or by ligature. The commonest manner of death in strangulation cases is homicide. Deaths due to accidental and suicidal strangulations are also encountered, though very rare in occurrence. The ligature mark of strangulation, when clearly visible, is generally transverse, low, completely encircling the neck with slippage friction over some area and is not difficult to differentiate from ligature mark of hanging. Multiple marks of struggle over the neck and other parts of the body also make the diagnosis easy in most of the cases. Internal neck dissection findings are also important to interpret with caution. The injuries can range from minimal to gross due to the dynamic situation between the assailant and victim. Though accidental manual strangulation cases can be encountered during routine practice, suicidal manual strangulation cases are considered virtually impossible. Suicidal ligature strangulation, though rare, is still a possibility, and due consideration of factors is needed for proper conclusion. Manual strangulation can happen accidentally during sexual intercourse or in an attempt to overpower another individual.
