Body parts of six-year-old victim missing: Autopsy report

Indore: The postmortem examination of a six-year-old boy, Tanay, revealed that only a few of his body parts were recovered from the debris, with several portions still unaccounted for, prompting forensic teams to revisit the Brijeshwari Annexe fire site.Days after the deadly blaze, forensic experts have resumed search to locate missing remains, as investigators assess the extent of destruction caused by the fire. Doctors also found a 1.5 cm piece of foam inside a sack that was initially mistaken for human remains, indicating confusion during early recovery efforts.The fire, which broke out in the early hours of Wednesday, claimed eight lives including businessman Manoj Pugalia and members of his family. Investigators suspect the intensity of the blaze, coupled with possible explosions in appliances such as AC, refrigerator compressor and gas cylinders, may have caused severe disintegration of bodies, complicating recovery and identification. Further forensic reports are awaited.According to the short postmortem findings, most victims died due to smoke inhalation before sustaining burns. Police have also ruled out electrocution as a cause of death. "None of the victims died due to electric shock. All deaths were caused by smoke inhalation and severe burns," said Additional DCP Amrendra Singh.The family members had earlier claimed that the fire department had started pouring in water before switching off the power which may have led to deaths by electrocution.Probe findings indicate that Manoj Pugalia managed to move some family members, including his sons Saurabh, Saumil, Harshit and wife Sunita, to safety before attempting to rescue others trapped inside. He was later found along with his daughter-in-law Simran near a channel gate on the terrace, both severely charred, suggesting they were caught in the flames while trying to escape.The report further states that Vijay Sethia and Ruchika died of asphyxiation. Carbon monoxide traces were found in their bodies, indicating they inhaled smoke while asleep before the fire reached them. Their bodies showed relatively fewer burn injuries.The report also ruled out claims that Simran was pregnant. Initial accounts from domestic help and locals suggested she was four months pregnant, but medical examination found no such evidence.