PANAJI
The medical examination into the death of 20-year-old Rishi Nair, a second-year BITS Pilani student who was found unresponsive in his hostel room recently, suggested that a combination of sedatives, stimulants and recreational drugs may have triggered vomiting, followed by aspiration -- a fatal condition in which vomit enters the lungs during sleep.
The findings, shared with the South Goa police for the ongoing investigation, revealed the presence of a dangerous mix of narcotic substances and prescription drugs in his system.
Tests detected Zolpidem (ZOLP), a powerful prescription sleeping pill, in both Nair’s blood and stomach contents, besides traces of methamphetamine, amphetamine, MDMA and acetaminophen.
“Drugs/substance named ZOLP is detected in blood sample with concentration of 14.03 ng/ ml and in stomach content with concentration of >66.6 ng/ml is a component of tablet medically prescribed tabled named Zolsoma 10 which is used for treatment of insomnia,” reads the medical findings.
The records further revealed the presence of 28.27 ng/ml of Methamphetamine, MDMA (3, 4 methylenedioxymethamphetamine 110.19 ng/ml), AMPH (Amphetamine >421 ng/ml) and ACE (Acetaminophen 30.64 ng/ml).
The police confirmed to The Goan that out of these, only ACE is available over the counter, while the others are ‘abused narcotics substances’ that lead to gastritis and vomiting if taken orally in liquid form. Further, Nair was on three antidepressant medications, one of which was Zolsoma 10.
“Since this drug has reached the blood, it will have its sleep effects on the deceased person and he vomits during such sleep, there are chances of aspirating it in the lungs. Further, all three detected narcotics substances are known to cause gastritis and instant vomiting,” the findings further mentioned.
The investigation team confirmed that a mix of sedatives and narcotics could have led to vomiting and other complications.
Police are now probing how the banned substances allegedly entered the BITS campus. “All this will be subject to investigation. We have been regularly camping in the premises and interviewing students without disturbing their regular schedule,” a senior officer said.
Nair was under clinical treatment with doctors attributing his condition to health neglect. Police had initially ruled out links to narcotics, while the institute has denied suggestions of academic stress being a factor.
