PANAJI
The long-pending forensic report into the death of IIT topper Karan Kashyap at the Sunburn EDM Festival has revealed a combination of narcotic substances and alcohol.
Reliable police sources revealed that chemical analysis conducted at the State Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Verna concluded that the 26-year-old’s blood samples tested positive for fentanyl (pain reliever), benzodiazepines, amphetamines, methamphetamines and alcohol.
However, a final opinion on his exact cause of death is yet to be ascertained.
“This drug-alcohol combination is the prima facie cause of death, though the final opinion of the forensic medicine experts is awaited to determine the exact medical reason behind his death,” the source said.
Kashyap, an IIT topper from Delhi, had travelled to Goa with friends to attend the EDM at Dhargal in December last year. On the very first day of the festival, he reportedly collapsed while dancing to trance music and was rushed to the Mapusa Sub District Hospital where doctors declared him brought dead.
Earlier, the private hospital’s medical reports indicated signs of acute kidney injury, cerebral oedema, and pulmonary oedema.
“The post-mortem findings showed fluid accumulation in the vital organs, but the nature of the substance was unclear at the time. Hence, the viscera and blood samples were sent for detailed analysis,” the source added.
The youth's body was handed over to his family after an autopsy was conducted at Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC), but the cause of death was reserved pending the FSL report.
Sunburn organisers had issued a statement after the incident expressing condolences and claiming that on-site medical staff responded immediately.
“Despite prompt assistance, he could not be revived,” the organisers said while reaffirming their "zero-tolerance policy" towards substance abuse at the event.
Goa police, which had deployed several teams around the venue during the three-day festival, had then stated that legal action would follow if there was any foul play. So far, no arrests have been reported.
