IIT Kharagpur Case: Calcutta HC Orders Exhumation, Second Post Mortem Of Student’s Body

The Calcutta High Court has ordered exhumation and second post mortem of the body of IIT Kharagpur student, Faizan Ahmed. The Court noted that conducting fresh post mortem was vital and necessary for arriving at the truth behind the death of Faizan Ahmed.

“Having heard the learned counsel for the parties, this Court is, therefore, of the view that a second post mortem is necessary. The body of the victim has been buried as per Muslim rites at Assam. Let the body of the victim Faizan Ahmed is ordered to be exhumed”, the bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha ordered.

The Court directed the investigating officer to coordinate with the Assam Police and ensure that the body and/or remains are exhumed, brought to Kolkata by the State Police and fresh post mortem is conducted.

“It is expected that due care and caution is exercised while exhuming the body. The local courts in Assam are requested to kindly extend cooperation. Representatives of the parties may be present during the exhumation”, the Court added.

The Court also directed for the presence of a forensic expert in the State of Assam during the exhumation of the body. It added that the investigating officer shall coordinate with the Assam police.

S.N. Mookherjee, Advocate General appeared for the State and Advocate Ranajit Chatterjee appeared for the petitioners.

The father of the deceased student had moved the Court seeking formation of an SIT to investigate the death of his son. Faizan Ahmed’s body was found in the hostel room at IIT Kharagpur in West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur District last year.

Sandip Kumar Bhattacharya, Amicus Curae, had placed seizure report of the police before the Court which indicated that a chemical called Emplura (sodium nitrate) in a bottle was seized from the scene of the crime. It was submitted that sodium nitrate is used to preserve meat.

The Court noted that the presence of the chemical Emplura (Sodium Nitrate) opened up serious questions as regards the time of death and whether it may have been used to preserve the body after the death of the victim.

Cause Title- Salim Ahmed and Anr. Vs. State of West Bengal & Ors.

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