MARGAO: Ana Maria Dias, a resident of Sao Jose de Areal, has raised concerns about the delay in producing the autopsy report and alleged negligence by authorities in conducting a second autopsy related to the death of her daughter, Sumanta Fernandes.
Dias recently filed a complaint before the South Goa District Magistrate, alleging that her daughter had been tortured for dowry in her marital home. She alleged that her daughter was murdered by pouring kerosene and setting her on fire at her residence on August 29. Following the incident,
she filed a complaint on September 4, demanding a new autopsy to be conducted by a new panel of doctors.
In her complaint, Dias highlighted that the Department of Forensic Medicine had sent a letter to the Dean of the Goa Medical College, indicating that the cause of death was pending, awaiting the chemical analysis report of viscera, exhibits preserved, and the histopathological examination report of tissues preserved during the initial autopsy.
Dias requested that the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) conduct an inquiry and review the dying declaration recorded by the joint Mamlatdar. She also mentioned that the letter clearly stated that the request for a second autopsy had been declined, emphasising the importance of completing the first autopsy in all aspects.
Dias further informed the SDM that the Dean of the GMC, in a letter dated September 11, had informed the Deputy Director of the actions required regarding the second autopsy. However, to date, no action has been taken by the SDM to fulfil the requirements of the Department of Forensic Medicine, leading to the delay in obtaining the first autopsy report.
Alleging that her requests for a new autopsy had been ignored by the authorities, Dias stated that her daughter’s body remained in the mortuary, pending final rites. She also expressed concern that no FIR had been filed against the alleged accused, despite the availability of evidence.
