Probe in Indrani's drug overdose to be over in 1 week: govt

Mumbai, Oct 3: Maharashtra government today said the probe by IG (Prisons) into suspected drug overdose by former media executive Indrani Mukerjea, accused of killing her daughter Sheena Bora, will be completed in a week's time and a case would be filed if criminality is found.

Indrani is in critical condition at JJ Hospital where she was admitted yesterday after being taken from Byculla prison in an unconscious state following allegedly taking an overdose of pills.

Late last night, government asked IG (Prisons) Bipin Kumar Singh to inquire into the suspected drug overdose episode.

Principal Home Secretary (Prisons) Vijay Satbir Singh said the probe would cover all aspects, including whether the medicines or any other toxic she consumed were prescribed by doctors and if there was an overdose and how it happened.

The probe will also ascertain if there was any negligence or foul play, he said, adding the entire exercise would be completed in a week's time.

The report of Indrani's stomach wash was negative, while the result of blood and urine samples sent to Kalina Forensic Laboratory for testing was expected by tomorrow, Vijay Singh said. 43-year-old Indrani was on Mirtaz, an anti-depressant, and Etizolan, a sleeping pill, he said.

"After she regains consciousness, the statement she gives will provide vital information on how she fell unconscious and if there was a drug overdose, how did that happen. If there is element of criminality, a case will be filed against those guilty," he said.

Indrani is in judicial custody and lodged at Byculla prison. She was arrested on August 25 by Khar Police for the April 2012 murder of her 24-year-old daughter from an earlier marriage.

Her former driver Shyam Rai and ex-husband Sanjeev Khanna have also been arrested in the sensational case whose probe is being handled by CBI.

PTI