Forensic lab awaits samples of grey powder found in house

The Directorate of Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) in Kalina is yet to receive the swab samples collected from the Versova residence of two siblings, Dr Rameez Choughule (25) and Rehab (27), who died in mysterious circumstances last week.

The two lived in Versova's Panch Dhara society and were rushed to Criticare Hospital in Juhu by their family after they were found unconscious on Wednesday. Rehab was later taken to the Kokilaben Ambani Hospital. While Rameez died the same day, Rehab succumbed on Friday, said the police.

The cotton swabs include samples of dry grey particles recovered from a cupboard in the house.

Officers of the Versova police ruled out initial reports that suggested that the duo died after inhaling toxic fumes after routine pest control work.

Deputy Commissioner of Police (Zone 9) Pratap Dighavkar said while viscera samples of Rehab were taken, those of Rameez were not. "Doctors had taken Rehab's viscera samples for analysis. The reports stated there is no toxic content," he said.

"The family said the pest control was done six months ago and not on Wednesday, as had come out in media reports. There seems to be some other angle in the case," said an officer, who did not wish to be named.

The samples collected over the weekend are with the Versova police, which is drawing up a panchnama, and are yet to reach the laboratory.

"We will take a day or two to give a report once we receive the samples," said Dr DMK Malve, acting chief of FSL.

Experts are believed to have only found swabs of grey matter and no other suspicious powder in the house.

The post-mortem reports of the siblings indicated infection and dehydration. No criminal case has been filed by the police and an accidental death report (ADR) has been registered, said an officer.

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