Autopsy Observation Visit to Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute, Puducherry

Rashtriya Raksha University, Puducherry Campus, organized an Academic Autopsy Observation Visit to the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Indira Gandhi Medical College & Research Institute (IGMC&RI), Puducherry, on 10 June 2026. The field visit was conducted for the first-year M.A./M.Sc. Criminology students as part of their experiential learning programme, under the guidance of Dr. K. Makesh Krishna, Assistant Professor (Criminology), and Ms. Shilpa Aravindan KB, Teaching-cum-Research Officer (Forensic Science). A total of 19 students participated in the visit.

Objectives of the Event

• To provide students with practical exposure to medico-legal autopsy procedures.
• To enhance understanding of postmortem examination techniques and medico-legal documentation.
• To observe the identification and interpretation of injuries and cause of death determination.
• To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge of forensic medicine and practical medico-legal practice.

During the visit, students were introduced to mortuary facilities and the standard procedures followed during medico-legal autopsies. Forensic medical experts explained the legal and scientific significance of postmortem examinations in determining the cause, manner, and time since death. Students observed the external examination process, including identification procedures, injury documentation, examination of clothing, and recording of distinguishing features. They also gained insights into the internal examination of major organs and learned about organ dissection techniques used in forensic investigations.

The internal examination process was explained in detail, including the examination of major organs such as the brain, heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, and gastrointestinal tract. Students gained insight into organ dissection techniques and the identification of pathological and traumatic findings. The experts further demonstrated the collection and preservation of biological specimens, including viscera, blood, and urine, for toxicological analysis. Students were introduced to chain-of-custody procedures, medico-legal documentation, and the preparation of postmortem reports. Special emphasis was placed on the interpretation of findings in cases involving road traffic accidents, poisoning, burns, hanging, drowning, and other unnatural deaths. The interactive session enhanced students’ understanding of forensic pathology, death investigation, and career opportunities in forensic medicine.

Outcomes of the Event

• Students gained practical exposure to medico-legal autopsy procedures.
• Enhanced understanding of death investigation and cause of death determination.
• Improved knowledge regarding external and internal postmortem examination techniques.
• Learned the significance of injury interpretation and medico-legal evidence collection.
• Gained awareness regarding preservation and examination of biological specimens for forensic analysis.
• Increased interest in forensic pathology and medico-legal sciences.

The autopsy observation visit provided valuable practical exposure to medico-legal death investigation procedures and enhanced the students' understanding of forensic pathology. The visit successfully connected classroom learning with real-world forensic medicine practices. The experience helped students appreciate the scientific and legal importance of postmortem examinations in determining the cause and manner of death and contributed significantly to their academic and professional development. The participants appreciated the opportunity to observe real-time forensic practices and gained a deeper appreciation of the role of forensic medicine in criminal investigations and the justice delivery system.