THE GOAN NETWORK
MAPUSA
The post-mortem examination of the father and son who were found dead under mysterious circumstances at their residence in Mapusa has been completed, but doctors have reserved their opinion pending forensic analysis of samples sent to a laboratory.
Medical sources familiar with the autopsy said the deaths could be linked to poisoning, with preliminary indications pointing towards the possible consumption of an insecticide rather than a rodenticide.
According to the sources, the findings do not appear consistent with poisoning caused by commonly used rat poison.
"With rat poison, a person does not die immediately. Death usually occurs after five to ten days. This appears to be more like insecticidal poisoning. There was a smell resembling the type of insecticide sprayed on agricultural fields. However, nothing can be confirmed until the laboratory report is received," a medical source said. Police said the case has, for now, been registered as an unnatural death, but investigators are keeping all possibilities open, including the possibility of foul play.
"We are exploring all angles. It is too early to rule out anything. There is also the possibility that someone may have poisoned them," a police official associated with the investigation said. The incident came to light on Saturday when the family was found inside their Mapusa house. While the father and son were declared dead, the mother was rushed to hospital for treatment. The unexplained deaths have triggered a detailed police investigation, with forensic and chemical analysis reports expected to play a crucial role in determining the exact cause of death.
Tragedy claims third life
The death toll in the Mapusa family tragedy has risen to three after 30-year-old Suvarna Jadhav, who had been battling for life at the GMC, Bambolim, succumbed on Sunday. Suvarna had been admitted to GMC in a critical condition after she was found unconscious at the family's rented house in Mapusa on Saturday.
Her husband and young son were found dead at the residence. With Suvarna's death, the entire family has been wiped out in the tragic incident that has shocked the town.
