About the department
The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology at Coimbatore Medical College and Hospital, established in 1966, has been a pivotal center for medico-legal education and services. Since its inception, the department has played a critical role in advancing forensic science and toxicology through rigorous academic programs and practical training. A significant milestone was the inauguration of a state-of-the-art Mortuary and Autopsy Block in 2017, enhancing its capacity to handle approximately 300 autopsies per month. The introduction of the postgraduate MD (Forensic Medicine) course in 2017 further solidified its commitment to producing skilled forensic experts. For inquiries, please contact: [email protected].
HOD Desk

Dr.V.Premkumumar
Dr. C. Manoharan, MD (Forensic Medicine), serves as the Head of the Department, bringing over two decades of expertise in forensic medicine. A distinguished academician and practitioner, Dr. Manoharan has been instrumental in shaping the department’s academic and research initiatives. His leadership fosters a culture of ethical practice and innovation, ensuring students and faculty excel in medico-legal services. Recognized with prestigious awards, including the State Level Best Doctor Award (2022) and the Best Aasaan Award (2023), Dr. Manoharan’s contributions to forensic education and public service are exemplary.
Faculties

C. Hannah Ueno
Assistant Professor
Thomas Fred
Associate Professor
Jennifer Aarons
Professor of Art
Michael McGarvey
Professor of LiteratureCourse Handling
MD (Forensic Medicine)
Postgraduate Program in Forensic Medicine & Toxicology
Research and Publications
The department is actively engaged in cutting-edge research, addressing critical medico-legal challenges. Current research projects include:
- Sex Determination by Using Intercondylar Distance of Mandible and Orbital Dimension among Western Tamil Nadu Population.
- Study of Pattern of Injuries among Two-Wheeler Pillion Riders in Fatal Road Traffic Accidents.
- Correlation Between Postmortem Examination and Histopathological Profile for Ageing of Abrasion and Contusion.
- Study of Endocrine and Renal Changes in Fatal Snake Bite Envenomation.
- Estimation of Stature among Adult Population Using Parameters of Mandible Bone – Prospective Study.
- A Postmortem Study of Pattern and Distribution of Intracranial Hemorrhages in Head Injuries Following Road-Traffic Accidents at a Tertiary Care Center in West Zone of Tamil Nadu.
- Estimation of Stature by Foot Length in West Zone of Tamil Nadu.
R. Udhayabanu, “A Descriptive Cross-sectional Study of Profile and Pattern of Poison Deaths in Tertiary Care Centre of Coimbatore Medical College,” Oct. 2024.
R. Udhayabanu and R. Balavenkataperumal, “Estimation of Time Since Death by Potassium Ion Level in the Vitreous Fluid – A Postmortem Study in Tertiary Care Centre, South India,” Jan. 2023.
R. Udhayabanu, “Effectiveness of Video-Assisted Learning versus Simulation in Teaching Wound Certificate Documentation for Undergraduate Medical Students in a Tertiary Care Hospital,” Nov. 2024.
S. Yuhesh, “A Study of Incidence and Patterns of Adrenal Hemorrhage in Autopsy Cases,” May–June 2023.
S. Yuhesh, “Pattern and Distribution of Injuries from Fall from Height Fatal Cases in Tertiary Care Hospital, Chennai,” Sep. 2023.
R. Balavenkataperumal and R. Udhayabanu, “Relationship Between Menstrual Cycles and Suicide Based on Histopathological Study of Cadaver Uterus in Tertiary Care Centre, South India,” Dec. 2023.
R. Balavenkataperumal, “Permanent Teeth Eruption Pattern in the Age Group of 5 to 15 Years: A Cross-Sectional Study in South India,” July–Sep. 2024.
Achievments
- Dr. C. Manoharan, MD:
- State Level Best Doctor Award (2022) from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Govt. of Tamil Nadu.
- Best Aasaan Award (2023) from the Indian Medical Association, Tamil Nadu.
- Gold Medalists in The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University:
- Dr. Dhuvarakesh
- Dr. Raj Kumar
- Dr. Gopinath
- Dr. V.S. Priyanka Saran: 2nd Prize in Paper Presentation, 1st Tamil Nadu State Level Conference, Tiruvannamalai Medical College Hospital.
- Dr. P. Ashok Kumar: 2nd Prize in Poster Presentation, 2nd Tamil Nadu State Level Conference, Trichy Medical College Hospital.
- Dr. K. Raam Sharma: Sarma: 3rd Prize in Poster Presentation, 2nd Tamil Nadu State Level Conference, Trichy Medical College.
- Dr. C.B. Gowshik: 3rd Prize in Poster Presentation, Forensic Conclave 2.0, Govt. Medical College & ESIC Hospital, Coimbatore.
Events and Services
The department has organized impactful academic events to promote forensic medicine education and collaboration:
- South India Medicolegal Association 2023: A National Conference hosted by the department, fostering knowledge exchange among forensic experts and students.
The Department of Forensic Medicine & Toxicology provides essential medico-legal services to the public, ensuring justice and public safety:
- Post Mortem Examination
- Age Estimation
- Gender Identification
- FTA (DNA) Sample Collection
- Sexual Offence Potency Examination