Pune: The case of 11-year-old Yash Gaikwad from Dahivadi, Shirur, who died on June 21, has taken a new turn with a medical report from Sassoon Hospital confirming injuries caused by an animal's teeth and claws.
This report, received by Shikrapur police on August 4, contrasts with an earlier report from a Hyderabad Forensic Laboratory, which had ruled out an animal attack, leading the Forest Department to suspect foul play.
The new findings from Sassoon Hospital have provided a clearer direction for the police investigation, stated Police Inspector Deepak Gaikwad.
Yash's death was previously attributed to head injuries. Initial suspicions pointed to a leopard attack, but there were also doubts about foul play from villagers, the Gaikwad family, and the Forest Department.
The Shikrapur police were investigating both foul play and an animal attack due to the ambiguity. Despite the lack of direct evidence for foul play, there was supporting information for an animal attack.
Persistent efforts by villagers and parents had both police and forest officials presenting differing views.
Following the Sassoon Hospital report, further investigation is being led by Police Sub-Inspector Keshav Wable, according to Inspector Gaikwad. The Hyderabad laboratory report had stated that Yash's death was not due to a wild animal attack.
However, if the Sassoon report suggests otherwise, it will be sent to higher authorities for further action and decision, as informed by Forest Officer Pratap Jagtap.
Two Different Claims by Two Departments
Former Sarpanch Santosh Daundkar, Valmik Satkar, and villagers had submitted a memorandum to Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar on the 20th, highlighting the confusion.
The police and forest departments, referencing different reports, have made conflicting claims, thus deepening the mystery. The blood sample from Yash's wounds sent to the Hyderabad laboratory was mixed with mud, leading to doubts about the presence of animal saliva, and hence, no animal DNA was detected.
