Archive · 27 Jul 2026
Madras High Court Orders Fresh Autopsy in Suspicious Death Case
A young woman died under suspicious circumstances in Sivagangai district.
Her family alleges dowry harassment and claims the initial autopsy was flawed.
The Madras High Court ordered a fresh autopsy and a special investigation team to probe the case.
The court emphasized the importance of a scientifically reliable investigation to uncover the truth.
The family also alleged the woman was pregnant at the time of her death.
The court directed the formation of a medical board for the fresh post-mortem and the handover of the body to the family afterward.
Madras High Court orders fresh autopsy and SIT probe in the suspicious death of a 24-year-old newlywed woman.
Family alleges dowry harassment and inconsistencies in the initial autopsy report and video.
Court notes discrepancies in the autopsy report and video, including timing, examination of clothing, and pregnancy-related findings.
Fresh post-mortem to be conducted by a multidisciplinary medical board, and the body to be handed over to the family afterward.
SIT to investigate, including examining CCTV footage, final phone conversations, and allegations of the room being locked from outside.
- Who
- 24-year-old newlywed woman and her family
- What
- Suspicious death and allegations of dowry harassment
- When
- Death on June 17, court hearing on July 24
- Where
- Sivagangai district, Madras High Court
- Why
- Allegations of lapses in investigation and autopsy, need for a fair and scientific probe
Family's Allegations
Official Investigation
Cause of Death
Family's Allegations
The family alleges dowry harassment and possible murder, citing inconsistencies in the autopsy report and video.
Official Investigation
The official investigation initially concluded the death as suspicious but required further examination.
Autopsy Conduct
Family's Allegations
The family claims serious lapses in the police investigation and original autopsy, seeking a fresh post-mortem.
Official Investigation
The court acknowledged the need for a scientifically reliable and publicly credible investigation, ordering a fresh autopsy.
- Victim's Age
- 24 years old
- Date of Death
- June 17
- Date of Marriage
- January 25
- Location of Death
- Sivagangai district
- Alleged Dowry Demand
- 5.5 sovereigns of gold
- Court Order
- Fresh autopsy and SIT probe
- Expert Review
- Dr. S Angayarkanni, Forensic Medicine
- SIT Head
- Officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police