Evaluating causes of death and mode of death in unidentified male dead bodies at a tertiary care centre in Moradabad region- "The nobodies

Background: The examination of unidentified dead bodies is a critical component of forensic medicine, particularly in areas where socio-economic disparities, migration, homelessness and crime contribute to the incidence of unidentified deaths. Determining the cause and mode of death in these cases is essential not only for medico legal purposes but also for public heath surveillance and improving identification protocols. This study aims to systematically evaluate the causes and modes of death in unidentified dead bodies brought to tertiary care centre. It seeks to identify patterns that may assist in forensic investigations, aid policymaking and highlight areas for preventive interventions. Material and Methods: Unidentified bodies brought for post-mortem examination to the mortuary of department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Teerthanker Mahaveer medical college, Moradabad during the period of January 2024 to January 2025 comprise material for the study. Results: A total number of autopsy performed in this year were 194 in which 133 cases were of natural manner, 45 cases were of unnatural manner while 16 cases were undetermined. The modes of death basically include syncope, asphyxia and coma. In our data reported, cases of syncope were 13 cases, asphyxia were 4 cases while coma was seen in 22 cases. Conclusion: Unidentified dead bodies were 194 in numbers of the total dead bodies coming for autopsy at department of forensic medicine and toxicology, Teerthanker Mahaveer medical college, Moradabad. Majority of the cases regarding opinion for cause of death were- 25 cases were of myocardial infarction, 4 cases were of acute coronary syndrome, 16 cases were of chronic liver disease, 17 cases were of pulmonary Koch’s, 24 cases were of road traffic accident with head injury, 02 cases were of road traffic accident with polytrauma, 12 cases were of blunt trauma chest, 01 case was of drowning, 24 cases were of consolidation of lungs,26 cases were of shock, 01 case was of asphyxia while 18 cases were undetermined in nature. Keywords: Unidentified, Corpse, Syncope, Autopsy.