While conspiracy theories run amok in the Sushant Singh Rajput and Disha Salian death cases, and the clamour for justice grows with every passing day, we try to sift through the noise and get you answers to 7 big questions.
The deaths of Sushant Singh Rajput and Disha Salian have thrown up several big questions. We answer 7 of the biggest questions regarding the death and post-mortem.
The Sushant Singh Rajput death saga has thrown up numerous questions, what with political parties throwing their weight behind the case, and the Supreme Court too involved now. Two states are fighting over jurisdiction and investigation in the case, and justice still seems a while away. Now, the Central Bureau of Investigation has also entered the fray. The CBI is in touch with the Bihar Police, they said today, and the FIR will be up on the CBI’s website soon. But while conspiracy theories run amok and the clamour for justice grows with every passing day, we try to sift through the noise and get you answers. Answers to seven big questions that the Sushant Singh Rajput death and the Disha Salian death have made us ponder on no end.
India Today got in touch with the Mumbai Police investigating officer who is on the Disha Salian case, and one of the doctors who performed Sushant Singh Rajput’s autopsy at Cooper hospital in Mumbai.
HERE ARE THE ANSWERS TO THE 7 BIG QUESTIONS
1Disha Salian died at 2 am on June 9. Why was her post-mortem conducted on June 11?
Disha Salian
According to Mumbai Police officials investigating the case, for post-mortem now, Covid-19 test is compulsory. Disha’s body was brought to the hospital for post-mortem immediately. Covid-19 test was done, of which reports come after 24 to 36 hours. Till that time, her body was kept in the morgue. The cops said nowadays, during the Covid-19 pandemic, a Covid-19 test is must. After Covid-19 test said negative, the post-mortem of Disha’s body was conducted on June 11.
2Disha Salian’s vaginal swabs were taken. Where are the results?
Disha Salian
Vaginal swabs and other swabs were taken for intoxication at FSL (Forensic Science Laboratories) office, Kalina. Mumbai Police is awaiting the report. They have asked the FSL to provide report soon.
3Why was Sushant Singh Rajput’s post-mortem conducted after sundown, on June 14; the same day he died?
Sushant Singh Rajput
Police officials came to us with the inquest and requested the post-mortem be done, so it was done at that hour. There is no rule that post-mortem cannot be performed at night. A circular issued in 2013 allows post-mortem at night.
4Did a magistrate authorise Sushant’s post-mortem after sundown?
Sushant Singh Rajput
A magistrate’s permission is only required in cases that are under 176 CrPC, like custodial death, riots, etc. This case is under 174 CrPC, where police have powers to request for post-mortem and as per police inquest, post-mortem is done.
5Who all from Sushant Singh Rajput’s family were present during the post-mortem?
Sushant Singh Rajput
We don’t remember who from the family were present during the post-mortem. Police came with his sister’s signed statement and requested the post-mortem. It was later that Sushant’s brother-in-law, ADG Haryana Police [OP Singh] and sister were at the post-mortem centre.
6Sushant’s post-mortem report mentions ligature marks. Then, why does it say no injuries?
Sushant Singh Rajput
If you go through the Column 17 of the post-mortem report, ligature marks are mentioned; and except that, there were no injuries.
7In case of an unnatural death like Sushant’s, the autopsy usually takes 2-3 hours. How was his completed in 90 minutes?
Sushant Singh Rajput
A general post-mortem takes minimum one hour, but there is no time limit as such. We performed the post-mortem in one and a half hours and preserved the viscera after examining the body.