Pathologist Reports on Alleged Accident
Head of the Fiji Police Pathology Unit Dr James Kalougivaki said there was a possibility that the deceased had swallowed mud causing blockage in his wind pipe making him unable to breathe and resulting in his death.
The 35-year-old man who died in Nausori following an alleged accident on April 29, 2016 died from blunt force trauma.
This was revealed by the head of the Fiji Police Force Pathology Unit Dr James Kalougivaki who performed the post mortem examination at the Colonial War Memorial Hospital.
Accused Subramani Goundar is undergoing trial at the High Court in Suva for one count of manslaughter when he drove his vehicle in the early hours of April 29, 2016 and allegedly caused the death of the deceased man.
Goundar is represented by defence lawyer Tirath Sharma.
State witness Dr Kalougivaki said the deceased's estimated time of death was 1am on the day of the alleged incident.
The brief history of his post mortem report stated that the deceased was found in a muddy drain with no signs of life. External examination led to the discovery of mud over his mouth with both eyes showing increased presence of blood and small pin-point areas of bleeding.
Dr Kalougivaki was asked to describe the cause of increased blood presence in the eyes.
He said it was due to asphyxia; a struggle and the inability to access air in the body. The prosecution witness also found bruises on the deceased's right shoulder and a slashed wound on his upper arm.
The internal examination revealed fracture and bruising on the third and eighth rib, adding that it could be a finding if a person was hit by a car.
Dr Kalougivaki found mud in the deceased's wind pipe, throat and he noted a ruptured liver.
He said there was a possibility that the deceased had swallowed mud causing blockage in his wind pipe making him unable to breathe and resulting in his death.
In cross examination, defence lawyer Mr Sharma questioned Dr Kalougivaki if it was conclusive that the injuries found on the deceased were from the impact of a vehicle. He responded saying it was one of the scenarios and that there could be other causes for the injuries.
Mr Sharma also asked the witness if it was possible that the blunt force trauma was caused by an impact from an alcohol bottle. Dr Kalougivaki said there was a low possibility because of the severity of injuries found.
The trial continues before Judge Justice Salesi Temo today.