‘Who prescribed Sunanda Pushkar Alprax?’

In the medical report sent by AIIMS on September 30 after the viscera findings came back negative for any poison, almost eight months after Sunanda Pushkar’s death, the doctors’ panel sent for investigation a list of medico-legal points, including submission of photographs of the crime scene, statements and other circumstantial evidence.

Stating that “it is suggested that the following medico legal points are required to be addressed by IO (investigating officer), the medical board listed 14 points for investigation. The report mentioned that while two used Alprax strips of capacity 15 tablets each were recovered from the crime scene. However, viscera report is negative for the presence of Alprazolam. Doctors suggested the police investigate who prescribed Pushkar Alprax tablets, since none of her records mention a prescription of this medicine.

The doctors have also suggested that “it should be clarified when was the deceased last seen alive”, mentioning that a “mild foul smelling gas was coming out and tache noir was present in left eye.” A tache noir is a discolouration in the eye or an occular change seen after death. It is seen if the eye remains open after death, according to doctors.

The report mentioned 15 injuries to Sunanda’s body, including teeth and scuffle marks, and an injection mark. The medical team’s visit to crime scene could happen only after the September 30 report, where they pointed shortcomings to police.