16 external, 9 internal injuries, death due to strangulation and smothering: Post-mortem in R G Kar rape-murder case

The post-mortem examination was done from 6:10 pm to 7:10 pm on August 9. It states that “death was due to effects of manual strangulation associated with smothering” and the “manner of death” is “homicidal”. “There is medical evidence of forceful penetration/insertion in her genitalia — possibility of sexual assault,” it states

The report highlighted 16 external injuries on the body — abrasions on the cheeks, lips, nose, neck, arms and knees, as well as injuries to the private parts. Nine internal wounds were also listed in the muscles of the neck, scalp, and other parts.

“All injuries are ante-mortem (before death), showing evidence of vital reactions,” it states.

The report was signed by Apurba Biswas, professor, department of forensic medicine and toxicology, R G Kar medical college; Rina Das, associate professor, department of forensic medicine and toxicology, R G Kar medical college; and Molly Banerjee, assistant professor, department of forensic medicine, NRS medical college and hospital.

The case is being handled by the Central Bureau of Investigation, which took over from the Kolkata Police, whose handling of the probe was met with criticism.