Panaji: The preliminary report into the death of Delhi youth, who died in a hospital recently after falling unconscious at the electronic dance music (EDM) event Sunburn at Dhargal, has pointed to the presence of drugs and alcohol.
The report has confirmed the presence of allegedly high concentration of stimulants namely methamphetamine and amphetamine in addition to other drugs such as fentanyl, benzodiazepines and ethylglucoronide.
The report has been prepared by the Department of Forensic Medicine at the Goa Medical College and Hospital in Bambolim. The post-mortem was conducted by a team of two doctors – Dr Girish Kamat, tutor, and Dr Andre Fernandes, Professor and Head at the Department of Forensic Medicine, GMC.
“There was high concentration of amphetamine and methamphetamine found in his blood sample which was not in the purest form and it had a mix of other narcotic substances,” said Dr Fernandes.
“He had consumed these tablets and also alcohol. The effect of these drugs increases when there is consumption of alcohol. The combination had deleterious effect on his kidneys, liver, brain and lungs,” Dr Fernandes said.
The youth’s blood sample was tested on Randox Evidence Multistat Analyser, which enables rapid and accurate analysis of body fluid samples, detecting various poisons, narcotics and alcohol, and generates digital reports in nearly 20 minutes, minimising human error and ensuring precision.
“The cause of death is reserved pending reports of chemical analysis of preserved viscera exhibits and histopathological examination of the tissues retained. The investigating officer has also been asked to ascertain the manner of death,” said Dr Kamat.
“The viscera exhibits have also been sent to the Forensic Science Laboratory to confirm the said report, and organs have been preserved for histopathological examination to know the effect of these drugs on the organs,” he said.
The 26-year-old tourist, who had attended the EDM event at Dhargal on Saturday, died while undergoing treatment at a hospital in Mapusa.
5 attendees detained over substance use
Panaji: In an operation conducted during the Sunburn EDM event at Dhargal, the Anti-Narcotics Cell (ANC) detained five individuals on the last day of the event on Monday after their saliva tests indicated drug consumption.
Superintendent of Police, ANC, Tikam Singh Verma clarified during a press conference that the individuals, including a Texas (USA) resident, a local from Cuncolim and residents of Hyderabad, Chennai and Madhya Pradesh, were not found with drugs in their possession.
“The detainees admitted to consuming substances either on the day of the event or the previous day. Four tested positive for ganja and one for cocaine in the saliva tests,” Verma said. The detainees’ blood and urine samples were taken and sent for analysis at the Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMC) at Bambolim following which further action will be taken.
