Calcutta High Court orders second autopsy in Bengal's Patashpur housewife rape-murder case

The Calcutta High Court has mandated a second autopsy for a housewife from Patashpur, East Medinipur, who was allegedly raped and murdered in a deeply troubling case that has sparked widespread outrage and calls for justice. Justice Shampa Dutta Pal issued the order on Tuesday, stipulating that the autopsy be conducted by November 2, with a requirement for video documentation to ensure transparency and integrity in the examination process.

The court has also set a deadline for the submission of the autopsy report by November 28, emphasizing the importance of thorough investigation in cases involving violence against women. The incident occurred on October 6, when the victim was reportedly attacked by a 30-year-old neighbor, identified as Bappa Das. After allegedly raping her, he is said to have forced her to consume pesticide, leading to her death. Following the crime, a group of locals confronted Das, resulting in his death after being beaten by an enraged mob.

Eyewitness accounts suggest that the victim's husband was away for work at the time, leaving her alone and vulnerable. Reports indicate that Das had previously made multiple indecent proposals to the victim, which she had firmly rejected. The initial autopsy, performed shortly after the incident, confirmed that the cause of death was pesticide poisoning. However, the report did not mention any sexual assault, a significant omission that has prompted the victim's family to voice their dissatisfaction. They argued that the absence of this critical detail undermined the gravity of the crime and obscured the truth of the events leading to the victim's death.

In light of these concerns, the family sought intervention from the Calcutta High Court to order a second autopsy, aiming for a more comprehensive examination that would clarify the circumstances surrounding the death and ensure accountability. The upcoming examination aims to provide further clarity on the events leading to the victim's death. A follow-up hearing is scheduled for December to review the findings of the second autopsy and assess the progress of the police investigation.