INI-CET 2008

Q: What is the definition of Falanga in the context of torture?

Striking the soles of the feet. ***Striking the soles of the feet*** - **Falanga**, or **flogging the soles of the feet**, is a widely recognized form of torture that inflicts severe pain without leaving visible external marks easily. - This method targets the highly sensitive nerve endings in the feet, causing intense pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. *Sitting in an unusual position* - While **stress positions** are a form of torture, they are distinct from Falanga, which specifically refers to physical strikes. - Stress positions involve forcing an individual into uncomfortable or painful postures for prolonged periods. *Using electric current as torture* - **Electrocution** is a separate and distinct method of torture that uses electric shocks to inflict pain and disorientation. - This method involves applying electrodes to the body to deliver electric current. *Pulling hair as a form of torture* - **Hair pulling** is a form of physical assault and can be used as torture, but it is not referred to as Falanga. - This method inflicts pain and humiliation by forcibly removing or tugging on hair. [Practice more INI-CET 2008 questions on OnCourse]

2 Previous Year Questions with Answers & Explanations

Questions

Subjects

Forensic Medicine

2 questions

What is the definition of Falanga in the context of torture?

On postmortem examination, contusion of neck muscles is seen along with fracture of hyoid bone. The most probable cause of death is:

INI-CET 2008 - Forensic Medicine INI-CET Practice Questions and MCQs

Question 1: What is the definition of Falanga in the context of torture?

A. Sitting in an unusual position
B. Striking the soles of the feet (Correct Answer)
C. Using electric current as torture
D. Pulling hair as a form of torture

Explanation: ***Striking the soles of the feet*** - **Falanga**, or **flogging the soles of the feet**, is a widely recognized form of torture that inflicts severe pain without leaving visible external marks easily. - This method targets the highly sensitive nerve endings in the feet, causing intense pain, swelling, and difficulty walking. *Sitting in an unusual position* - While **stress positions** are a form of torture, they are distinct from Falanga, which specifically refers to physical strikes. - Stress positions involve forcing an individual into uncomfortable or painful postures for prolonged periods. *Using electric current as torture* - **Electrocution** is a separate and distinct method of torture that uses electric shocks to inflict pain and disorientation. - This method involves applying electrodes to the body to deliver electric current. *Pulling hair as a form of torture* - **Hair pulling** is a form of physical assault and can be used as torture, but it is not referred to as Falanga. - This method inflicts pain and humiliation by forcibly removing or tugging on hair.

Question 2: On postmortem examination, contusion of neck muscles is seen along with fracture of hyoid bone. The most probable cause of death is:

A. Hanging
B. Burking
C. Throttling (Correct Answer)
D. Smothering

Explanation: ***Throttling*** - **Manual strangulation** (throttling) causes direct compression of the neck with fingers and thumbs, leading to **bilateral contusion of neck muscles** and **fracture of the hyoid bone** due to sustained gripping force. - The combination of **deep muscle contusions** (especially in strap muscles, sternomastoid) with hyoid fracture is **highly characteristic** of manual strangulation, as the direct manual force applied causes crushing injury to both soft tissues and cartilaginous/bony structures. - Additional findings often include **fingernail marks/abrasions** on the neck, bruising corresponding to finger positions, and fractures of thyroid cartilage. - This pattern is **strongly suggestive of homicide** given the force and duration required. *Hanging* - In hanging, the force is applied through a **ligature** that creates a characteristic **oblique ligature mark** (typically rising toward the point of suspension). - While hyoid bone fractures **can occur** in hanging (especially in elderly individuals with ossified hyoid or in judicial hanging), they are **less common** (15-30% of cases) compared to manual strangulation (30-50% of cases). - **Deep bilateral neck muscle contusions are atypical** in hanging; when present, muscle injuries are usually **unilateral** and correspond to the side of the knot or are superficial. - The ligature mark and pattern of neck injuries distinguish hanging from manual strangulation. *Burking* - **Burking** involves compression of the chest and abdomen to prevent respiratory movements, combined with covering the mouth and nose. - This method causes **asphyxia** by impairing chest wall expansion and occluding airways, **without direct neck compression**. - Neck injuries like deep muscle contusions and hyoid fracture are **not characteristic** of burking; findings are primarily thoracic petechiae and signs of chest/abdominal compression. *Smothering* - **Smothering** involves blocking the nose and mouth (with hand, pillow, or other soft material) to prevent air entry. - This causes **suffocation without neck trauma**; typical findings include petechiae around eyes and face, oral/nasal bleeding. - **Absence of neck injuries** (no muscle contusions, no hyoid fracture) distinguishes smothering from strangulation methods.

About INI-CET 2008 Questions

This page contains 2 questions from the INI-CET 2008 paper, organised across 1 subjects for focused practice. Every question comes with the correct answer and a detailed explanation to help you understand the underlying concept. Subject-wise organisation lets you target specific areas and identify which topics carried the most weight in this particular year.

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