Shot Gun Firearm Injury: Reliability of Calculation of Range of Fire by Dispersion of Pellets - A Case Report

Introduction and case report: An interesting case of shot gun injury fired from a near range of 1.0 to 2.0 meter distance as per the eye witnesses is presented here which on examination revealed that the dispersion of pellets on the body indicates that the range of fire has occurred from a distance of 4 meters to 7 meters. Further the presence of wad in the wound adds to the confusion that the firing would have occurred within a distance of 5.0 meters. This case report reiterates the importance of examination of the crime weapon, test firing the similar cartridges with the same weapon and proper analysis of the wound ballistics is a must for a forensic expert to arrive at a proper opinion in fire arm injury cases.