Lock-up death: Autopsy by two government doctors ordered after wife’s plea

The court has asked Dr Parasakthi, director, Institute of Forensic Medicine, MMC, Chennai, and Dr Selvakumar, Prof Forensic Medicine, KMC, to conduct the autopsy.

Disposing an habeas corpus plea moved by Sitrarasu’s wife contending that proper autopsy won’t be conducted by local doctors, the vacation bench of justices V Parthiban and P D Audikesavalu said “We are of the view that these measures would ensure that the petitioner and family of the deceased need not entertain any apprehension regarding proper conduct of autopsy on the deceased. Needless to mention the doctors who are asked to perform autopsy are holding prominent position in the field of forensic medicine and the petitioner and family can’t ask for anything more...” It also directed the authorities to videograph the autopsy session.

Sitrarasu, who was detained for assaulting his neighbour, died while in police custody, prompting charges of excessive police force by his wife and relatives.