Kolkata murder case: Fate of brothers, future of minor hang in balance

The recent tragic events in Kolkata's Tangra neighbourhood have left many questions unanswered.

On 19 February, the bodies of two women, Sudeshna and Romi Dey, along with 14-year-old Priyamvada, were discovered in their residence. Simultaneously, Pranay and Prasun Dey, the husbands of the deceased women, and Pranay's minor son were involved in a high-speed car crash.

The brothers claimed that the family had entered into a suicide pact owing to financial difficulties stemming from their tannery business. However, autopsy reports indicated that the women were murdered, with injuries inconsistent with self-infliction, and the teenager died from poisoning. Investigations are on, and the brothers may face arrest upon their recovery.

In the ongoing probe, some developments have emerged regarding the surviving family members:

Medical status and custody

• Pranay Dey and minor son: On Saturday evening, Pranay Dey was discharged from a private to a government hospital and transferred to a state-run hospital for continued treatment, as he remains in a delicate condition. His 14-year-old son was also slated for discharge; however, owing to the absence of relatives to complete formalities and the police's inability to secure a hospital bed, he remains at the private hospital

• Prasun Dey: Pranay's younger brother Prasun continues to receive medical care at the private hospital

Custody of the minor

The future of the surviving minor remains uncertain. With his mother deceased and his father facing potential legal action, questions arise regarding his guardianship. A family friend, identified as a lawyer, made initial contact on the first day but has not followed up since. The police are considering appropriate care arrangements for the boy, which may involve placing him under the supervision of child welfare authorities if no relatives come forward.

In the ongoing investigation into the murder case, authorities are focusing on several critical aspects to unravel the mystery surrounding the deaths of three women in the Dey household.

CCTV footage and security measures

Investigators have discovered that the CCTV camera installed inside the Dey residence was deliberately unplugged prior to the incident. This action has raised suspicions, and the police are keen to identify who disconnected the camera and ascertain their motives. The absence of CCTV footage has hindered the reconstruction of events leading up to the tragedy.

Autopsy findings and scene discrepancies

A team comprising doctors and forensic experts conducted autopsies on the deceased women. Preliminary reports indicate inconsistencies between the physical evidence at the crime scene and the autopsy results. These discrepancies have prompted a more detailed examination to determine the exact cause and manner of deaths.

Toxicological analysis

Given indications that poisoning may have played a role in the fatalities, forensic specialists are conducting comprehensive toxicological analyses to identify the specific substance involved. Determining the type of poison is crucial to understand how the victims were administered the substance and establishing a timeline of events.

With agency inputs