Sindh police still clueless about Namrita's death

Judicial inquiry into the incident to start from Sep 27

HYDERABAD: The cause of death of a student of Bibi Aseefa Dental College, Larkana, Namrita Chandani, still eludes investigators even after nine days of the incident. Larkana DIG Irfan Baloch told the media on Wednesday that following the initiation of the judicial inquiry, it has been decided that the decision about whether to register the FIR or not will be taken on the conclusion of the judicial probe.

"Unfortunately, the police have still not reached a conclusion," he conceded after meeting the Larkana district and sessions judge to brief him about hitherto investigation progress. The inquiry, which will be conducted by the judge, will start from September 27, according to Baloch.

Chandani was found dead in her hostel room on September 16. Police have detained two fellow students, Mehran Abro and Ali Shan Memon, besides recording statements of around 30 faculty, staff and students in connection with the incident. Chandani's brother, Dr Vishal Chandani, in an instant reaction to the death had claimed that his sister has been murdered.



"The police are still uncertain if it was suicide or murder," said the DIG. Despite this admission, Baloch described the police investigation as thoroughly professional in terms of collection of evidence and recording of the statements.

He said that the police will likely receive the forensic report of the mobile phones of Chandani, Abro and Memon, besides the deceased person's laptop, from the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) in around three days. He added that the dupatta of Chandani has also been sent to Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro, for the DNA report.

Briefly sharing his discussion with the judge, the DIG said that the scope of the inquiry will be very wide, adding that the judge will also likely examine the role of the administration of Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto Medical University, Larkana. The varsity's vice-chancellor Prof Dr Anila Attaur Rehman drew criticism and demand for her resignation following the incident.

Baloch said that he met Chandani's family on Tuesday and added that the family was still reluctant to lodge an FIR. "The family appeared very sad and in a state of shock. They say that they are unable to pursue the litigation."

Published in The Express Tribune, September 26^th, 2019.