Panaji: The request for a second autopsy on
the body of a custodial death victim here has been turned down
by the magistrate conducting enquiry in the case.
Sub divisional magistrate Sabaji Shetye said there was no
need to conduct a second autopsy on the body of 39-year-old
Cypriano Fernandes, a seafarer, who died in custody of Panaji
police early this month.
Shetye said Cypriano`s family had approached him with the
request for a fresh autopsy but he advised them to meet the
doctors who conducted the first postmortem and clarify doubts.
Cypriano`s cousin Cosme Fernandes said that a second
post mortem would ascertain if inspection of all injuries had
been done. The first one was conducted by Goa Medical College
and the hospital had confirmed six injuries on his body.
The NRI seafarer, who was arrested on January 7 after he
tried to threaten his girlfriend, died in police custody the
next day after being allegedly assaulted by policemen.
Four policemen, including Inspector Sandesh Chodankar,
have come under the scanner in the case.
The victim`s family members have refused to accept his
body.
Goa police have constituted a departmental inquiry led by
Deputy Superintendent of Police Bousette Silva to probe
whether there was misconduct and procedural lapses on the part
of the police after Cypriano`s arrest.
PTI