A GRIEVING father of Naivuvuni in Rakiraki wants the police to explain why post-mortem examinations were not conducted on the bodies of Kushal Kumar and Sandeep Narayan, whose lifeless bodies were found floating in the sea.
The duo had gone fishing two weeks ago just 100 metres from the foreshore at Navatu in Rakiraki. Their bodies were found a day after each other.
Kushal’s father, Dharmen Kumar, who’s also Sandeep’s father-in-law, said the families were left confused and distressed after observing what appeared to be an absence of standard post-mortem examinations procedures.
“Naturally, one would assume they drowned and that is what we believed despite the fact my son Kushal was a good swimmer,” Mr Kumar said.
“I am seeking clarification on behalf of the grieving family regarding the post-mortem examinations.”
Mr Kumar said while family members were preparing the bodies for funeral rites, they noticed their clothes had not been removed and there were no visible post-mortem examination incision marks.
“This has caused concern and confusion, as we all know when a post-mortem (examination) is conducted, there is an incision on the chest where the pathologist is required to examine all internal organs.
“Since there was no post-mortem (examination), how can the family believe and accept that they died as a result of drowning?”
He also said the post-mortem examination report stated “cause of death cannot be ascertained”.
“I want to say here that my son Kushal’s body was still intact, and that a post-mortem examination should have been done to ascertain the cause of death.”
He also raised concerns about visible injuries on Sandeep’s body.
“We observed severe blood clots on one side of the ribs, and injuries to the neck and head were visible on Kushal’s body when his clothes were removed.
“There is no mention of these injuries in the postmortem (examinatio) report.”
The family is seeking a formal explanation from the police for allowing the cremation of the bodies without a post-mortem examination.
Mr Kumar also wants to know why the forensic department was not called to the scene to inspect the boat and the bodies.
“We respectfully request assistance in providing clarity to our grieving families, who simply wish to understand the process undertaken before the release of our loved ones’ bodies.”
Police spokesperson Ana Naisoro said yesterday they would look into the concerns raised and liaise with the family.
