Suspense deepens on the reasons for suspicious death of IPS Ashutosh Mishra’s mother, secret of death not revealed in post mortem; Now the police’s eyes are fixed on the forensic report of viscera investigation.

The suspense has deepened even after the post-mortem in the case of the sudden death of senior IPS officer Ashutosh Mishra’s mother under suspicious circumstances. Despite a detailed post-mortem examination conducted by a special panel of doctors, prima facie the exact cause of death could not be revealed. Due to the absence of any obvious external injury or trauma marks on the body, the Medical Board has preserved the viscera, keeping the final cause of death as ‘inconclusive’.

Considering the sensitivity of the incident and the high-profile case, the police and administration are maintaining complete vigilance. The entire process of autopsy was conducted under the supervision of a panel of doctors and videography as per the rules. Now the truth of the case and the real cause of death will be revealed only after the viscera and toxicology test report comes from the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL). Police have started the process of quick testing by sending viscera samples to the lab on priority basis.

Initial details of the incident and suspicious circumstances: How did the matter unfold?

As soon as information about the incident was received, there was panic in the administrative and police departments. According to primary information received:

• I was feeling unwell at home: The IPS officer’s elderly mother was present at home, where suddenly his health deteriorated seriously. He was immediately taken to the nearest hospital, but after examination the doctors declared him dead.

• Questions raised on sudden death: Since the family and surrounding people were not completely sure about the cause of death and there was ambiguity in the situation, the police were informed following legal and medical protocols.

• Panchnama and legal formalities: In the presence of police officers, after filling the Inquest, the body was sent for post-mortem to find out the actual cause of death.

Cause of death not clear in post mortem: How will viscera examination reveal the real secret of death?

At the post-mortem house, a team of forensic medicine experts and senior doctors thoroughly examined the body internally and externally. Doctors found that there was no immediate direct trauma or obvious fatal injury to the major organs of the deceased’s body (heart, lungs and brain) that could immediately determine the cause of death. In such a situation, the doctors decided to preserve the viscera for chemical analysis while keeping the cause of death safe.

What is viscera and why is it most decisive in forensic investigation?

In forensic and medico-legal cases, when the cause of death cannot be determined by normal autopsy, viscera examination becomes the most important scientific basis:

• Which organs are preserved? Under viscera examination, biological samples of the deceased’s stomach and its digestive contents, intestines, liver, spleen and both kidneys are preserved in a sealed jar in a special chemical solution (saturated sodium chloride or other preservatives).

• Toxicology and Chemical Testing: Forensic lab scientists conduct chemical analysis of these samples using advanced chromatography and spectrophotometry techniques.

• What things are known?

  
  

  • Was there presence of any unknown poisonous substance, chemical or pesticide in the body?

  • Was there an overdose of a common drug or a fatal drug interaction?

  • Was there any kind of food poisoning present in the food?

  • Did any serious metabolic disorder or sudden electrolyte imbalance within the body lead to internal organ failure?

Police’s multidimensional investigation: Investigation continues from medical history to statements

Viscera reports usually take a few weeks to come, but the police have intensified their parallel investigation into all possible aspects of the case:

• Medical history and medication records: The police investigation team is examining the past medical history of the deceased, her pre-existing diseases (such as diabetes, hypertension or cardiac history) and the prescriptions of the medicines she was taking regularly.

• Timeline reconstruction of the event: What he had eaten and drank before his health deteriorated, who was present at home at that time and how much time it took to take him to the hospital – a detailed timeline of all these episodes is being prepared.

• Statements of domestic helpers and relatives: The police have recorded preliminary statements of the assistants, security personnel and family members deployed at the house, to confirm any unforeseen circumstances or possibility of lapse.

• Review of electronic and CCTV footage: A general review of activities around the residence is also being carried out as part of security and formal checks.

All eyes on forensic report: FSL report will decide further legal direction

Senior police officers say that they are not in a hurry to reach any conclusion and the entire process is being carried forward in a scientific and transparent manner. The viscera samples have been sealed and sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) through a special carrier, from where a request has been made to get the report as soon as possible.

After receiving the forensic lab report, the medical board will issue its final viscera supplementary report (Final Supplementary Post-Mortem Report). If the report confirms any poisoning or external chemical effect, the police will take further action accordingly by registering a case under legal sections. Whereas if the report finds absence of any chemical or toxic element, then it will be considered as natural death due to sudden internal medical reasons (like silent cardiac arrest or stroke). At present, the entire police and administrative machinery is waiting for the scientific results from the forensic lab.