Tragic End: A Case Report of Suicidal Death Due to Aqua Regia Ingestion

Authors

  • Raghvendra Singh Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Lucknow
  • Mousami Singh Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
  • Tauheed Anwar Junior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
  • Saurabh S Prajapati Junior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow
  • Anoop Kr Verma Professor & Head, Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow

Keywords:

Suicidal death, Aqua regia ingestion, Self-harm, Corrosive Substance

Abstract

Introduction-Suicide is a tragic and complex phenomenon that poses significant challenges to individuals, families, and  societies worldwide. One distressing method that individuals may employ in their desperate act is suicide by corrosive  acid. The Corrosive, Aqua regia, an extremely corrosive mixture of nitric acid and hydrochloric acid when used as a  method of self-inflicted harm involves the deliberate ingestion or exposure to it, leading to severe injuries and often fatal  consequences. This is the rare autopsy report representing the findings in case of suicidal death due to aqua regia.Aim To present an autopsy case of Suicidal death due to Aqua regia ingestion.Case report-we present a case of death due  to aqua regia ingestion. It was a hospital death showing death due to corrosive ingestion, the burn percentage was near  60%. On external examination exposed surface was yellowish-brown in color. On internal examination, the abdominal  cavity was filled with blood. Besides severe congestion, perforation, and brownish-black discoloration were present. Conclusion-Suicide by corrosive acid represents a distressing and complex issue that requires careful examination. The  highly corrosive nature of aqua regia can cause severe damage to the GI tract, particularly the oral cavity, oesophagus,  stomach and intestine. This Tragic case highlights the importance of early identification, intervention and support for  individuals at risk of self-harm.

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Published

2025-08-12

How to Cite

Tragic End: A Case Report of Suicidal Death Due to Aqua Regia Ingestion. (2025). Journal of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology, 42(2), 146-149. https://www.journals.acspublisher.com/index.php/jfmt/article/view/22560