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Aiming a gun at the head or mouth is easier, but holding a rifle to the chest and firing is extremely difficult; most suicides, about 80%, target the head
The Supreme Court has demanded an affidavit from the Madhya Pradesh government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case. (PTI/File)
The Supreme Court has raised questions regarding a case in Madhya Pradesh involving the death of a 17-year-old boy, which police initially classified as a suicide. The court is sceptical whether it is feasible for someone to commit suicide by shooting themselves in the chest with a rifle, given its substantial length. This query delves into forensic science to determine the plausibility of such an act.
The incident involved accusations against the boy by fellow students at a shooting academy, who alleged he had stolen Rs 40,000. Under pressure to confess, he was beaten, his phone was confiscated, and he was coerced into sending messages. Devastated by this ordeal, the boy ended his life, leaving behind a suicide note blaming the accused students.
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The Supreme Court has demanded an affidavit from the Madhya Pradesh government to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the case, examining all aspects, especially the possibility of murder. The court has also requested the deceased’s post-mortem report, the rifle in question, its length, and other evidence collected during the investigation.
Is Suicide With A Rifle Even Possible?
According to ChatGPT, forensic science suggests that committing suicide by shooting oneself in the chest with a rifle is nearly impossible, though it remains feasible with a pistol or revolver.
Most rifles, including long guns like the .303, 7.62, AK-47, or shotguns, measure 40–45 inches in length. Due to their size, it is extremely difficult to position the barrel on the chest and reach the trigger with one’s hands.
A person attempting this would likely need a specific technique, use a prop like wood or a stick, or require someone else’s assistance to press the trigger.
Extremely Rare, If Not Impossible
Experience in forensic cases shows that suicides involving rifles are extremely rare. When they do occur, individuals typically place the barrel in their mouth or under the chin, allowing them to press the trigger with their foot. Documented cases of suicide with the rifle positioned on the chest are virtually nonexistent, as this is mechanically nearly impossible.
Why Doubts Arise In Court
When a claim arises that someone shot themselves in the chest with a rifle, forensic experts first assess whether the deceased’s arm could reach the trigger given the rifle’s length, and whether the weapon’s position aligns with the angle of the wound. If these factors don’t match, courts may suspect foul play instead of suicide, which is why such cases undergo thorough forensic examination.
Role Of Forensic Experts In Such Cases
Suicide by shooting oneself in the chest with a rifle is considered highly suspicious and practically impossible from a forensic standpoint. Investigators and courts closely examine factors such as the rifle’s length, the reach to the trigger, the bullet’s entry path, gunshot residue, and the angle of wounds in the organs.
While it is relatively easy to aim a gun at the head or mouth, holding a rifle to the chest and firing is extremely difficult. With a pistol or revolver, targeting the heart is possible, but most suicides, around 80%, involve shots to the head.
Suicides Involving Rifles Are Rare
Suicides involving rifles are rare but not impossible. In cases with pistols or revolvers, the most common targets are the head, temple, inside the mouth, or under the chin. According to US forensic reports, over 70% of gun-related suicides involve shots to the head.
If you or someone you know needs help, call any of these helplines: Aasra (Mumbai) 022-27546669, Sneha (Chennai) 044-24640050, Sumaitri (Delhi) 011-23389090, Cooj (Goa) 0832- 2252525, Jeevan (Jamshedpur) 065-76453841, Pratheeksha (Kochi) 048-42448830, Maithri (Kochi) 0484-2540530, Roshni (Hyderabad) 040-66202000, Lifeline 033-64643267 (Kolkata)
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