• A magistrate sends the dead body for a post mortem after death occurs in custody.
• A medical officer is called to the cell to examine a seriously ill prisoner and finds him already dead.
• Medical officer may be called during the exhumation of a body
• In case of prison doctors, when he is called to certify the fitness of the prisoner either before, during or after the torture.

Prisoner may die in custody due to

1. Injuries: Especially blunt injuries (by fists, legs or weapons).
2. Rarely, when police outnumber the offender leading to his death due to:
   • Traumatic asphyxia
     Prisoner
   • Exhaustion and fear
   • Vasovagal shock as in
   • Arm locks
   • Neck holds – bar arm control
   • Carotid sleeper.
3. Due to complications resulting from alcohol abuse as:
   • Acute alcohol poisoning
   • Aspiration of vomit and choking on gastric contents
   • Accidents while under influence.
4. Suicides in custody.
5. Purely natural death.

Remember
When you come across an inmate in custody who is found dead do not issue a death certificate even if you think it to be a natural death.

• When called to remain present for an exhumation, familiarize yourself with the procedures involved beforehand.
• Do not get involved in any kind of torture yourself.
• When a dead body of an inmate is sent for post mortem make sure that the inquest is from a magistrate.