Bhandara sisters not raped: KEM

The Bhandara sisters were not sexually assaulted and died as a result of drowning, according to a report prepared by the head of KEM Hospital’s forensic department after examining the autopsy notes and videos. Priyanka Vora reports.

The Bhandara sisters were not sexually assaulted and died as a result of drowning, according to a report prepared by the head of KEM Hospital’s forensic department after examining the autopsy notes and videos.

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The Bhandara police had asked Dr Harish Pathak of KEM Hospital, Dr SD Nanadkar head of forensic department, JJ Hospital, and Dr TD Dogra, a retired forensic expert from Delhi to examine the forensic evidence.

According to the report, the doctors who conducted the autopsy assumed that the vaginal and anal tears were because of sexual assault.

“When I cross checked the injury sites mentioned in the autopsy notes with the images taken of the body, it was evident that the injuries were actually a result of decomposition and not assault,” said Dr Pathak.

The results of the diatom test (a forensic test that checks for algae in the body and matches it with the algae found in the water) confirmed the presence of well water in the bodies.

The undergarments had feaces but no bloodstains. Their clothes and jewellery were intact. “There was no trace of extensive bleeding or blood clotting which should have occurred if they were assaulted.

"The soil analysis of victims’ footwear also matched with soil sample around the well, indicating they were alive. We have proposed to visit the crime scene to check for further evidence,” said Dr Pathak.

With no evidence of sexual assault, the police are considering the involvement of another person at the scene

“We are yet to receive the reports ,” said Arti Singh, superintendent of police.