Mumbai:
Once again questions are being raised on investigations into the alleged gangrape of the 23-year-old American student in Mumbai nearly 10 days ago.
Earlier, the Mumbai Police were accused of dragging its feet on filing an FIR in the case. Now their own forensic laboratory has said that critical evidence may have been lost as even 10 days after the incident the clothes worn by the accused have not been submitted for testing. The laboratory has asked the police to submit the evidence.
"We have written to the police on April 22 asking them to submit the clothes of the accused. It is the most crucial piece of evidence in a rape case," said Dr M V Garad, Director, Kalina forensic lab.
This has raised questions on whether the Mumbai Police are bungling up the case? Officials say if there is any more delay, they may not be able to help investigators, especially if the clothes worn by the accused are washed.
This comes a day after the FSL told the police that victim's urine sample showed traces of cannabis. It is a drug that's normally inhaled but in this case might have been used to spike the victim's drink.
But the victim in her statement has said she did not smoke with the boys.
Given the FSL report and statements by the accused that the victim made the first move, the police are now planning to re-record the victim's statement.
Interestingly, the police have denied claims by the FSL and say clothes of the accused were sent a while ago.
So the question is where did the clothes go? And how will it impact investigations? The answer may well seal the case's fate.