A three-member team of doctors performed autopsy on V. Gokulraj (21), a Dalit youth whose death has triggered protest by various Dalit outfits, at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital here on Saturday. However, the youth’s family refused to accept the body, with his mother Chitra demanding that a murder case be registered and the accused arrested.
Following the Madras High Court’s direction on Friday, the autopsy was conducted by the team comprising P. Sampath Kumar, Head of Forensic Department, Sri Ramachandra Medical College, Chennai, Gokulramanan, HOD, Department of Forensic Department, Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital, and R. Sangeetha from the same department.
Dr. Sampath Kumar told mediapersons that the autopsy was conducted as per the guidelines of the National Human Rights Commission and various organs were sent for laboratory test. The report would be submitted to the court in a sealed cover on Monday.
After autopsy, the Investigating Officer and Tiruchengode Deputy Superintendent of Police, R. Vishnupriya, asked Ms. Chitra whether she would receive the body. When she refused, the body was put in a freezer.
Ms. Chitra told reporters, “A friend of Gokulraj went to the High Court on his own and got the direction for conducting the autopsy by a panel constituted by the court. We will not accept it. We will decide the further course of action.” A huge police contingent was present at the government hospital and outsiders were not allowed near the autopsy room. Relatives of the victim were present in the hospital till late in the evening.
VCK to begin fast today
Demanding a compensation of Rs. 50 lakh for the family of Gokulraj and a government job for his elder brother, Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi cadre will begin an indefinite fast in front of the Collectorate on Sunday.
Speaking to mediapersons after holding discussions with Ms. Chitra at the Government Mohan Kumaramangalam Medical College Hospital here on Saturday evening, the party’s propaganda secretary, Vanni Arasu, demanded filing of case under the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
