Fractured cervical vertebra in accidental strangulation by chunni

Accidental ligature strangulation though rare, is occasionally reported and circumstantial evidence alone can sufficiently indicate the accidental nature of the occurrence. While it is recognized that fracture and dislocation of the cervical vertebra are seen in judicial hanging or hanging associated with a long drop, it is not reported in ligature strangulation. In the present case, a 15year-old female was accidentally strangled when her chunni was caught in a rear wheel of a motorcycle while sitting on the pillion. She was immediately taken to the nearest hospital in an unconscious condition. She died after a period of 4days. The autopsy revealed fracture and dislocation of the 5th cervical vertebra with extensive bruising of the deep muscles of the neck apart from the ligature mark around the neck. Fracture and dislocation of the cervical vertebra in accidental ligature strangulation by chunni are very rare and has not been reported previously