Preliminary inquiry into the death of Colonel Samrendra Pratap has revealed that he had gone missing a few months ago too but had returned home later, the police said on Tuesday.
“When his family members and close associates were questioned briefly, they said he had gone incommunicado for one-two days a few months ago but had returned later,” said a senior police officer.
One of Colonel Pratap’s close relatives who did not wish to be named said the family had no knowledge of the this particular episode.
“I personally don’t know about this episode. His wife, my aunt, may be aware but we have not discussed this in the family. I am not sure about the information,” he said.
The police said the Colonel’s post-mortem was conducted under normal circumstances because the family has not made any foul play claims in connection with his death.
“His family members were asked if they suspected something suspicious but have not given anything in writing,” said Deputy Commissioner of Police (central) M.S. Randhawa.
Another officer said the police delayed the post-mortem by a day to ascertain if a board of doctors was needed.
“Colonel Pratap died on Monday night. His post-mortem could have been conducted on Tuesday but we waited for the family’s response in case they suspected something amiss and a board needed to be constituted,” Mr. Randhawa said.
The family agreed that they had not given anything in writing to the police but may take action after January 15. “His sudden death left the family stressed. After the rituals are over, we will take a call on how to pursue the investigation. We suspect foul play in his death, which needs to be probed,” the Colonel’s relative said.
Independent probe
The family added that an independent inquiry is being conducted by ‘authorities concerned’ into Colonel’s Pratap’s death. They said the deceased had an administrative role in Delhi and was due to join a posting as independent commander in Himachal Pradesh this month.
Colonel Pratap died at night on January 1 after falling ill on a DTC bus in the evening. He was taken to Lok Nayak Hospital, where he was declared dead a few hours later. The police said prima facie he died of a heart attack.
