Benzos traces found, JAC calls for deeper probe
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, October 20 2024: Traces of Benzodiazepines, also known as Benzos, were found in the bodies of Adhikarimayum Basanti and her four-year-old daughter Lanchenbi, leading the 'Joint Action Committee (JAC) Against the Unnatural Death of Basanti and Lanchenbi' to demand indepth investigation into circumstances surrounding their deaths.

The JAC has raised suspicions of possible foul play and urged authorities to explore the angle of abetment of suicide.

The demand follows the release of the post-mortem report, suggesting that both victims may have died due to overdose of Benzodiazepines, a drug commonly used to treat anxiety and insomnia.

Addressing the media at Manipur Press Club here on Sunday, JAC co-convenor Moirangthem Moses expressed dissatisfaction over alleged delay in furnishing the post-mortem report, stating that it took 26 days for the report to reach the police station.

The JAC received the report on Saturday evening, revealing presence of Benzodiazepines traces in the bodies of both Basanti and her daughter, as confirmed by the forensic medicine department of RIMS and the forensic science laboratory in Pangei.

The report further indicated that they may have died two to three days before their bodies were discovered, vindicating JAC's suspicion that the deaths might have occurred on September 21, prior to discovery of their bodies on September 23.Moses also cited sharing by experts that consuming one or two Benzodiazepine tablets may not be lethal, whereas overdose from consuming an entire strip could be fatal.

Further stating that such medications are typically sold as per doctor's prescription, the co-convenor also questioned disappearance of the medicine packaging along with ob serving difficulty of a four-year-old child swallowing such tablets on her own, further raising suspicion about how Lanchenbi could have ingested them.

He also recalled that when the bodies were first spotted, some individuals hinted at possible overdose as the cause of death.

However, the JAC was sceptical, suspecting that external factors may have contributed to their deaths.

Moses stated that it is hard to believe that Basanti would have killed her own daughter before committing suicide, especially considering her dedication to raising her child and leading a healthy life despite being HIV positive and undergoing regular antiretroviral therapy (ART).

Basanti had conceived her daughter through In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) Plus, indicating her strong desire to have a child, he said, adding that she was known for her hardworking nature and determination for better upbringing of her daughter.

She was actively involved in community activities, and ensured her daughter received an early education by enrolling her in an Anganwadi Centre.

Basanti even approached her in-laws for financial assistance for admission of her daughter in a private school.

According to the JAC, there were no signs that Basanti was contemplating suicide, as she had never confided in anyone about giving up hope in life or feeling over whelmed by her circumstances.

The last time Basanti and her daughter were seen alive was on September 21, when they attended the Rashtriya Poshan Maah programme.

Later that evening, Basanti sold 3 kg of rice to a local shop, saying she wanted to buy chicken or eggs for her daughter, which some speculate may have been intended as their last meal.

However, the JAC and locals find it hard to believe that such a hardworking and passionate mother would suddenly take her own life and that of her child without any prior indication of distress.

As such, Moses urged the police to thoroughly investigate the events leading to the deaths, particularly whether Basanti was forced into a situation where she saw no other option but to consume the tablets.

He emphasised the need for appropriate action, while warning that ignoring the case- could leave other vulnerable individuals in similar situations at risk.

The JAC is determined to seek justice for Basanti and her daughter, he affirmed and urged authorities to consider the possibility of abetment of suicide in their investigation.

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