DGP’s post mortem circular

SHILLONG: Taking cognizance of the post mortem cases that suffer from certain infirmities like not mentioning approximate time of death, description of the body and analysis of rigor mortis, the office of the Director General of Police has directed the Police personnel to adhere to strict observance of rules in the investigation of murder cases. The High Court of Meghalaya had in the past revealed lacunae in the post mortem reports by stating that the shoddy medical reports itself can demolish the prosecution case. Rajiv Mehta, DGP in a recent circular said investigating officers should draw up a report of the apparent cause of death describing wounds and fractures and by what manner and what weapon, such marks appear to have been caused . Moreover, the state in which the victim’s body was found lying should be carefully mentioned during inquest. “At the same time, Investigating Officers have to be guided in respect of various points to be ascertained from the Medical Officer conducting Post Mortem examination in connection with the post mortem reports of the victims from the booklet issued by the NHRC on model post mortem report,” the circular said.