Putrefaction a problem but not a game changer- A case report

Abstract

To fix the identity and explore the exact cause of death along with its manner has a lot of medico-legal importance especially in a putrefied dead body. It becomes practically difficult when body has been recovered from sewage gutter which also alters the decomposition rate. Decomposed bodies are known as floaters. The term should not be confused with bodies recovered from a watery environment. These are known as wet floaters in contrast to the decomposed bodies found on land, dry floaters¹. Many of times criminal also try to deform the facial features to mask the identity of victim. Under these circumstances’ opinion regarding the cause, manner and time of death is framed on the basis of meticulous examination of putrefied body. Such a case was referred to the department of Forensic Medicine PGIMS, Rohtak. The same is described here.