Calcutta HC Orders Exhumation & Second Post-Mortem Of Woman's Body Who Died In Matrimonial Home Over Allegations Of Foul Play, Irregular Probe

The Calcutta High Court has ordered a second post-mortem after exhumation of the body of a young woman who died in her matrimonial home, after allegations of foul play and irregularities in the police investigation and inquest had been raised by her family.

Justice Tirthankar Ghosh allowed the prayers of the petitioners and directed that the body be exhumed and a second post-mortem be conducted at AIIMS hospital in Kalyani.

"…However, on an assessment of the materials, particularly the photographs and the video recording at the time of Surathal, learned advocate who have inspected the same submitted that there were blunt trauma available on the body of the deceased...considering the fact that in the post-mortem report the Autopsy Surgeon categorically recorded “no external injuries” and there were no reflection of any blunt trauma, I am of the view that a second postmortem is called for in the circumstances of the present case. Accordingly, the prayer for exhumation of the body of the deceased be allowed,” it was observed.

The present matter involves a case of alleged dowry-related death after the death of a young woman, Fatema Khatun, at her matrimonial home in Raghunathgunj, Jangipur, Murshidabad.

It is alleged that Fatema Khatun was subjected to continuous physical abuse, mental harassment by her husband and in-laws. She was reportedly pressured repeatedly to bring money, gold ornaments, and other valuables from her parental home.

Petitioners stated that on the evening of April 29, 2025, around 6:20 PM, the Petitioner received a phone call from Fatema's in-laws informing him of her deteriorating health. Upon reaching the residence with his brother-in-law, the Petitioner claims the in-laws appeared unconcerned. He then proceeded to the first floor, where he discovered his daughter hanging from a ceiling fan in the bedroom.

Being highly aggrieved by, dissatisfied with the discrepancies in the Inquest Report and Post Mortem Report and the actions of the Police Authorities, the Petitioner prayed for exhumation of the body for re-post mortem by preferring the present Writ Petition.

The matter is now directed to appear on August 29, 2025 on which date the second Post-Mortem report shall be placed before the Court.

Advocates for Petitioner: Mr. Naba Kumar Das, Advocate. Mr. Parvez Mallick, Advocate. Mr. Debayan Roy Chowdhury, Advocate. Mr. Sumangal Sil, Advocate. 

Case: Isha Sekh VS Superintendent of Police, Jangipur Police District & Ors.

Case No: W.P.A. 14334 of 2025

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