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Home▶Archive▶Vol. 42 No. 3 (2025)▶Understanding Suicidal Death Patterns in Northeastern…
Journal of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology ›
Print ISSN 0971-1929 · Online ISSN 0974-4568
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Original Research Article

Understanding Suicidal Death Patterns in Northeastern India: Demographic Predictors, State Level Influences, Emerging Self-Infliction Methods, and Policy Recommendations

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Shristi Aich — Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic Science, School of sciences, Jain (deemed-to-be University), Bengaluru
Sourav Shil — Research Scholar, Department of Forensic science, Lovely Professional University, Punjab
Megha Sharma — Research Scholar, Department of Biotechnology, Lovely Professional University, Punjab
Anand Kumar — Research Scholar, Amity Institute of Forensic Science, Amity University Noida, UP
Neha Vishe — Assistant Professor, Department of Forensic science, Kristu Jayanti (deemed to be University)
Published 18 Oct 2025 Vol. 42 No. 3 (2025), pp. 158-166
❝ How to cite 🔗 https://doi.org/10.48165/jfmt.2025.42.3.26
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Abstract

ObjectiveThis study examines suicide patterns in the Northeastern states of India, often referred to as the Seven Sisters.  The aim is to assess whether demographic factors such as gender, marital status, and income group can explain suicide  trends, and to explore broader systemic influences. The findings are intended to support forensic medicine professionals,  policymakers, and public health authorities in their work.MethodPanel data from the National Crime Records Bureau  (2014–2022) were analyzed using a Linear Mixed Model (LMM). This method evaluates both the direct role of demographic  variables and the hidden, state-specific influences that may affect suicide rates, such as culture, economy, policies, and  social conditions.FindingsThe analysis reveals that demographic factors alone (male/female, married/unmarried, rich/ poor) are not strong predictors of suicide rates. Instead, large-scale, state-level conditions play a more decisive role. Each  state shows unique patterns shaped by its own social and systemic environment.ConclusionThese findings emphasize the  importance of considering state-specific factors in forensic investigations of suicide. Forensic pathologists and medico legal experts may benefit from this perspective when conducting psychological autopsies, interpreting case patterns, and  providing expert opinions. The study also underlines the need for region-specific suicide prevention strategies that can  inform both forensic practice and public health policy. 

 

KeywordsSuicide PatternsNortheastern IndiaDemographic VariablesMedico-legalForensic PsychologyPsychological AutopsyNCRB (National Crime Records Bureau)Linear Mixed Model (LMM)Public Health Policy

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