PANJIM: In what could spell further trouble for staff at Goa Medical College (GMC) morgue in the case of alleged illegal disposal of Januz Gonsalves’ body, overwriting and scribbling on the department’s register has raised suspicion over the exchange of dead bodies in the cabinets.
Crime Branch (CB), investigating the case, has also found that while the entry timing of other bodies were made in blue ball pen, entry in one column of an unclaimed body was in red pen. The age in another column is also re-written indicating foul play. The crucial ‘entry register’ was submitted to CB for investigation while a bunch of other documents are in the process of being dispatched.
“We are investigating all angles and whether the scribble in the register was made to cover up the exchange of bodies and disposal,” said an officer seeking anonymity. Details available with Herald show that Januz’s body was first kept in cabin number 228, whereas body of one Vishant Naik, was shifted thrice from cabin number 105, 228 and later 220. The correction in the cabin numbers are clearly visible in the register, attached by CB. However, the confusion over the two bodies remained despite visible difference in their age as Januz was 24 years and Vishant 46 years.
“If the goof up is proven, the accused will also be booked for forgery,” said the officer adding that the three suspended staff of the forensic department could be summoned again.
Forensic Department head Dr Edmund Rodrigues, junior technician Machindra Jhalmi and post mortem attendant Prakash Narvekar are among others who are facing investigation into the case that led to serious speculation on organ smuggling. CB has quizzed 10 persons so far, including five staff from the Corporation of City of Panaji.
PI Rahul Parab is the investigating officer and CB will be submitting a fortnightly report to Goa Police and government.
