JIST

Abstract

A case of death due to intravenous self-administration of vecuronium bromide by an anaesthetist is being reported, who was found dead on a sofa in front of the bedroom of her house. Initially during investigation, it was alleged that her husband being an orthopedician may have injected the drug. There was a hue and cry from the relatives of the deceased in this regard, as there had been trivial instances of strained relationship between husband and wife while the latter was alive.

After a magistrate’s inquest, a medicolegal autopsy was conducted by the department of forensic medicine of the same medical college hospital where the deceased had been brought. After the autopsy, relevant viscera and blood sample were preserved for chemical analysis. Pieces of vital organs were preserved for hisopathological examination. Opinion as to the cause of death was kept pending until receipt of chemical analysis and histopathology reports.

After receipt of histopathology and chemical analysis reports, the opinion as to the cause of death was issued as death due to vecuronium bromide poisoning. The case was then referred to the Corps of Detectives (COD) for further investigation.

The autopsy findings, chemical analysis report, and crime scene investigation findings indicated suicide as there were no signs of physical violence before or during intravenous administration of the alleged muscle relaxant.