Frequent Presentation of Counterfeit Gunshot Wounds in a Tertiary Care Hospital in North India: A Case Series
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37506/54fqha37Keywords:
Gunshot injuries, Fabricated wounds, Self-harmAbstract
Introduction: Self-inflicted wounds, or wounds produced by another acting in accord with him, are
wounds inflicted by a person on his own body. The purpose of fabricating injuries is to file a
false claim of assault against an opponent, to alter the appearance of a minor injury in order to
attract more attention and a harsher punishment for the alleged accused. Someone may also pretend
these as defence wounds, so as to conceal homicide.
Result: In a short period of 1 year, i.e. from August 2020 to July 2021 in a single unit of
Department of General Surgery, 8 cases of Counterfeit Gunshot Wounds are there which depicts that
the foul play is at large scale and these gunshot wounds are not present over the vital organs of
the body.
Conclusion: The combined efforts of all investigating authorities and doctors can help to avoid
injury fabrication, which will not only decrease wasteful litigation in the courts, but will also
help to avoid harassment of innocent individuals.
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