Vehicular Dragging Death: A Case Report

Authors

  • Hardik D Upadhyay Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.
  • Chandresh I Tailor Associate Professor & In-charge Head, Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat, India.
  • Jignesh B Patel Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat, India.
  • Devkishan D Ahir Senior Resident, Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat, India.

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.48165/iijfmt.2026.24.1.2

Keywords:

Manslaughter; Dragging; Grinding; Bone Abrasion; Re Postmortem

Abstract

This case highlights the forensic importance of identifying injuries in cases of  prolonged vehicular dragging. A 27-year-old male motorcyclist died after being  trapped under a speeding limousine and dragged for nearly 11 km. The Re-postmortem  revealed extensive abraded lacerations, deep soft tissue loss, and exposed bones with  characteristics of “grinding/friction” injuries. Vital reaction was found in wounds over  the body. Internal findings showed craniocerebral injuries and long bone fractures.  These injury patterns helped to reconstruct the incident as a possible manslaughter  or homicide. This case highlights the medicolegal significance of re-postmortem  examination in clarifying manner of death in complex vehicular dragging incidents. 

 

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Author Biographies

  • Hardik D Upadhyay, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

    Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Ananta Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, Rajsamand, Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

  • Jignesh B Patel, Associate Professor, Department of Forensic Medicine, Government Medical College, Surat, Gujarat, India.



References

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Fukasawa, M., Ninomiya, K., Kawakami, Y., et al. (2018). An autopsy case of injuries caused by an automobile dragging for a distance of 3.4 km without thoracoabdominal organ injuries. American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology, 39(4), 348–350.

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Published

2026-05-04

Issue

Vol. 24 No. 1&2 (2026): Indian Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology (Jan-Jun)

Section

Case Report

How to Cite

Vehicular Dragging Death: A Case Report. (2026). Indian Internet Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, 24(1&2), 5-8. https://doi.org/10.48165/iijfmt.2026.24.1.2