The family of a prominent businessman in Punjab has refused to give consent for an autopsy, citing religious beliefs. The businessman, identified as 55-year-old Rajesh Gupta, was found dead under mysterious circumstances at his residence in Ludhiana on Tuesday morning.
Incident Details
According to police, Gupta's body was discovered by his wife around 7 a.m. He had no visible injuries, and the room was locked from inside. Initial investigations suggest no signs of forced entry. The family has ruled out foul play and insists on a natural cause of death.
Family's Stand
Gupta's relatives have refused to allow a post-mortem examination, stating that their religious traditions prohibit such procedures. They have requested the body be handed over for last rites. Police are in a dilemma as the law requires an autopsy in cases of unnatural or sudden deaths.
Senior police officials have held meetings with the family to explain the legal necessity, but the kin remain adamant. "We have full faith in the police investigation, but we cannot go against our religious sentiments," said a family member on condition of anonymity.
Legal Provisions
Under Section 174 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), police can order an autopsy if there is suspicion of an unnatural death. However, obtaining consent from the family is standard practice. In this case, the police are seeking legal advice to proceed further.
Meanwhile, the body has been kept at the civil hospital mortuary. A decision is expected soon after consultation with the district magistrate and legal experts.
