Ranchi: A probe progress report into the
death of Delhi-based journalist Nirupama Pathak indicated that
it was a case of murder, the Jharkhand police chief said
today.
"Koderma police have submitted their investigation
progress report in the Nirupama Pathak death case. So far, it
has supported the murder theory," Director General of Police
Neyaz Ahmad said.
"It is indicative of murder. I am satisfied with the
investigation and we will try to complete the investigation
and reach a conclusion as soon as possible," he said.
He said that the report includes the investigation
angles, steps taken to carry forward the probe and ambiguities
found in the post-mortem report.
22-year-old Nirupama was found dead on April 29 in her
parents` house in Tilaya in Koderma district under mysterious
circumstances. The Koderma police had filed an FIR against
Nirupama`s mother Sudha Pathak, after which she was arrested
and charged with her murder.
However, later after an appeal to a court by Nirupama`s
family, an FIR had been filed against her boyfriend
Priyabhanshu Ranjan charging him with rape and abetment to
suicide.
But her post-mortem examination showed she was smothered
to death and that she was 10-12 weeks pregnant.
Both Nirupama and Ranjan were journalists based in New
Delhi and her parents did not approve of their relationship.
Nirupama`s family insists she committed suicide.
The DGP said, "We are working with a very clear mind and
there is no ambiguity in our investigation as reported in the
media. We are focusing on our case," he added.
He said, "I have asked the district police to further
investigate into the data of the mobile phones and the laptop
seized and interrogate more important witnesses."
P Mohan, the civil surgeon in Koderma who is facing
charges over ambiguities in the autopsy report, said that the
report would be sent to the Rajendra Institute of Medical
Sciences (RIMS) for an expert opinion.
PTI
