Medicolegal investigation of death in custody: A postmortem procedure for detection of blunt force injuries

Death in custody frequently raises suspicion of ill-treatment on the part of the custodians. The meticulous postmortem search for evidence of injury is the paramount consideration in objective investigation. Detection and evaluation of hidden subcutaneous hemorrhages facilitates reconstruction of antemortem circumstances. We describe a new postmortem technique for accurate examination of the subcutaneous tissues utilizing a simple X-shaped incision of the back and limbs and reflecting the skin. This technique leaves no noticeable disfigurement.