Manipuri tribal woman tortured, charred to death: Autopsy report

The autopsy report of the 31-year-old tribal woman, who was killed in Manipur's violence-hit Jiribam district on November 7, revealed that she was subjected to third-degree torture and suffered 99 per cent burns.

The report of the autopsy, which was carried out at Silchar Medical College and Hospital in Assam on November 9, said several body parts and limbs were missing and viscera for chemical analysis could not be collected as most parts were charred and unrecognisable. It also added that the brain tissue was found wrapped in a plastic tissue that was liquefied and decomposed.

The body of the woman, a mother of three, was found at her home at Zairawn village following an attack by a group of armed militants on November 7.

"Death was due to shock as a result of third-degree mixed flame ante-mortem burns as described which covered 99 per cent of total body surface area," the report stated as the cause of her death.

According to the report, the hospital received a completely charred body along with burnt bone fragments, devoid of healthy soft tissues.

"Right upper limb and parts of both lower limbs and the facial structure found missing," it stated.

The report further said that vaginal smear for microscopic analysis could not be taken as body parts were "completely charred and not recognisable".

"Viscera for chemical analysis could not be collected as most parts were charred and unrecognisable or missing. Burnt and separated fragments of bone did not show any signs of vital reaction indicating the post mortem nature of separation," it added.

The body was also found with deep penetrating wounds, and a metallic nail was found embedded in the left thigh.

Highlighting the unimaginable condition of the body and torture meted out on her, the report said, "Burnt and separated fragments of bone did not show any signs of vital reaction indicating the post mortem nature of separation."

More than 220 people have been killed and thousands rendered homeless in ethnic violence in the northeastern state since May last year.

Ethnically diverse Jiribam, which was largely untouched by the clashes in Imphal Valley and the adjoining hills, witnessed violence after the mutilated body of a farmer was found in a field in June this year.