Forensic tests will throw up vital clues in Thane businessman death case, say experts

The deceased’s hair has also been sent for DNA analysis

Forensic findings will play a big role in ascertaining the cause of the death of Thane businessman Manshuk Mishrilal Hiran, 48, whose body was fished out from the creek near Mumbra on March 5.

The police initially suspected that Manshuk had died by suicide, but the theory was refuted by his family and neighbours, prompting the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) to register a murder case.

An autopsy on Manshuk's body has been performed by three forensic experts from Rajiv Gandhi Medical College - Dr Mangesh R Ghadge, Professor and Head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Dr R S Pate, Assistant Professor from the Department of Forensic Medicine and Dr Vaibhav Bari, Professor (Additional) Department of Pathology.

Highly placed sources said the experts have preserved a piece of the sternum bone for the crucial diatom test. If the water sample collected from the spot contains the same proportion of diatoms - algae-like unicelluar organisms - as the body, it is treated as positive. In such a case, an expert said, it is concluded that the victim drowned in the same water. A negative result means the person was killed and thrown into the water. Apart from the viscera, nail clippings and blood samples, his scalp hair has also been sent for DNA analysis to authenticate his identity.

"The autopsy team has mentioned that the body showed early signs of decomposition and peeling of skin over the back, and the approximate time of death was ascertained between 12-24 hours from the time since death. A few minor abrasions, were spotted on the deceased, nostril, cheek and chin. Interestingly, all the injuries are said to be antemortem (before death) which have been recorded in the autopsy report," said a forensic expert.

Independent forensic experts, however, said that these abrasions themselves cannot directly cause death. The nail clippings of both hands have been preserved to rule out if Manshuk had any scuffle, which might have led to the stretch mark-like abrasions on his face. The nail samples might have traces of blood or skin of outsiders in case he was killed.

Tidal conditions and interactions with local fishermen might throw up valuable leads, said the expert. "Also, tracing the deceased's mobile handset is very crucial since its location as per initial media reports was claimed to be Vasai. It will explain if the body travelled from there to Mumbra or it was done to mislead the investigators," said the expert.

Forensic experts also said that the handkerchiefs which were allegedly found on the deceased will be a crucial piece of evidence, as it is not clear whether the police, who visited the creek soon after being informed about the body, had taken visuals of the body and its position, during and after it was fished out. Also, the claim that the hands were tied, whether behind or in front, is a vital part of analysis to rule out suicidal or homicidal.

While the Mumbra police had registered an ADR under the CRPC, the ATS is treating it as a murder. The Centre has also asked the NIA to probe. Experts said forensic reports are usually given to the local police, though it can be passed on to a specific agency if directed by senior officers.

An official from State Forensic Science Laboratory, Kalina, said, "We have received the viscera for biological analysis to rule out any poisoning, drugs extra." The official also confirmed receipt of the handkerchiefs. Dr Mangesh Ghadge, head of the Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology at Kalwa hospital, could not be reached for comments.