Viscera samples sent to forensic lab

Doctors from Sir Jamshedji Jeejeebhoy (JJ) Hospital have obtained viscera samples of 12-year-old Chandni Shaikh, which will be sent to the Kalina Forensic Laboratory, to ascertain the exact cause of her death. Chandni died on August 10 at her home in Bainganwadi.

“As the exact cause of her death is still to be ascertained, we have collected viscera samples, which have been preserved for chemical analysis to rule out any drug reaction or poisoning,” said a doctor. A team of forensic experts attached to the department of forensic medicine and toxicology, Grant Medical College and JJ Group of Hospitals, conducted the autopsy on Friday night.

Idzes Kundan, additional municipal commissioner (BMC), said Shaikh was diagnosed with tuberculosis but they were not aware if she was on medication.

“According to primary investigation, we found pulmonary haemorrhage (bleeding in both lungs), which is the result of a lung infection. We have preserved the lungs, brain, spleen, heart and kidneys for a histopathology examination to rule out any underlying ailment, especially tuberculosis or pneumonia,” added the forensic expert from

JJ hospital.

Dr Vidya Thakur, medical superintendent of Rajawadi Hospital, said eight children continued to be under observation, while the rest were discharged as they were all stable.