Asphyxial deaths: accidental strangulation: practice question

A Forensic Medicine question in the style of the NEET PG paper. Answer it first, then read why the right option is right and why each of the others is wrong.

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Forensic Medicine · Asphyxial deaths: accidental strangulation

Sample item

A young woman riding pillion on a two-wheeler is found dead after her long scarf was caught in the rear wheel. Examination shows a ligature mark on the neck and signs of asphyxia. What is the most likely manner of death?

Original practice item, not a recalled exam question. Nothing here is recorded.

The answer and the reasoning

A. Accidental ligature strangulation

Accidental strangulation occurs when clothing such as a scarf, dupatta or sari is caught in a rotating wheel or machine and tightens around the neck. The circumstances and the matching material establish the manner. This is a recognised cause of road and industrial deaths in India.

Option by option

  • A. Accidental ligature strangulation (correct)

    Correct. Entanglement of clothing in moving machinery gives accidental strangulation.

  • B. Suicidal hanging

    Hanging needs suspension of the body by a ligature, which is not the case here.

  • C. Homicidal manual strangulation

    Manual strangulation leaves finger marks and no ligature.

  • D. Judicial hanging

    Judicial hanging is a capital punishment procedure, which is irrelevant here.

Source note: Original NextPrep sample item — pending expert review. This item is original practice material awaiting independent expert review, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.

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Questions about this Forensic Medicine question

What is the answer to this Forensic Medicine question?

The best answer is A, Accidental ligature strangulation. Accidental strangulation occurs when clothing such as a scarf, dupatta or sari is caught in a rotating wheel or machine and tightens around the neck.

Why is "Suicidal hanging" not the answer?

Hanging needs suspension of the body by a ligature, which is not the case here.

Why is "Homicidal manual strangulation" not the answer?

Manual strangulation leaves finger marks and no ligature.

Why is "Judicial hanging" not the answer?

Judicial hanging is a capital punishment procedure, which is irrelevant here.

What concept does this question test?

It tests Asphyxial deaths: accidental strangulation in Forensic Medicine. The circumstances and the matching material establish the manner. This is a recognised cause of road and industrial deaths in India.

How hard is this question?

We tag it as an application question: it asks you to use a fact on a patient or a finding. The tag is our own editorial judgement, not an official difficulty rating, so read the reason for every option, not only the answer.

How should I study Asphyxial deaths: accidental strangulation?

Learn postmortem changes with their timelines, and toxicology as poison, sign, test and antidote. Then use the flashcards and the other Forensic Medicine questions on this site to test what stuck.

Is this a real NEET PG question?

No. It is an original practice item (editorial status: sample, version 1). NextPrep does not publish recalled or leaked questions, and independent faculty review of this item has not been completed yet, so confirm important facts in a standard textbook.