This is a real-world medical entrance exam question, please give the true answer based on the question and selection. Topic name: Thermal Deaths, Subject name: Forensic Medicine
Pugilistic attitude is seen in death due to 
Select and explain. 
A. Drowning, B. Hanging, C. Heavy metal poisoning, D. Burns
D: Burns
Answer: D: Burns 
Explanation: Ans. d (Burns). (Ref. Textbook of FMT by Parikh 5th ed., 379)Pugilistic attitude is seen in cases of bums, & is due to coagulation of proteins other than those affected by rigor mortis.It has no medicolegal importance, as it is present in both antemortem bums as well as postmortem burns.