Manisha was admitted to Sanjay Gandhi Memorial (SGM) Hospital on May 5, 2003, at 3.10 am with 100 per cent burn injuries. The doctor declared her fit for recording a statement merely 5 minutes later — at 3.15 am. A police officer was handed over the case and he was ready with her dying declaration by 4 am. At 6 am, Manisha succumbed to her injuries.

The “undue haste” shown by the doctor, unbelievable swiftness demonstrated by the police officer in reaching the hospital to record her statement, which claims the patient admitted to have attempted suicide, coupled with several other questionable facts, had compelled Manisha’s brother Tula Ram to file a complaint with a city court.

Now, the court has launched prosecution against the doctor and the police officer under the charge of framing incorrect records to protect those guilty.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Vishal Singh recently issued summons against Dr Rajan and Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) Kishan Lal for October 23.

Married to Harish Kumar in 2001, Manisha was allegedly ill-treated by him and his family for dowry.

According to Manisha’s dying declaration, she committed suicide because her mother-in-law liked her sister-in-law more than her.

Tula Ram, however, approached the court, claiming the matter smacked of conspiracy hatched by her in-laws in connivance with the doctor and the ASI.

This is what Tula Ram brought to court’s notice:
* How could Manisha be declared fit for a statement just 5 minutes after reaching hospital with 100 per cent burns?
* How was it possible for ASI Lal to have reached the hospital and finish recording her statement within 15 minutes of receiving the DD entry to conduct inquiry?
* If the declaration was actually dictated by Manisha, her age and place of residence could not be wrongly recorded.
* The grounds cited in Manisha’s statement for attempting suicide are flimsy.
* Despite the fact that Tula Ram and his family stay in a nearby locality, they were not informed about the incident and they got to know only after she died.

... contd.