Chemistry Professor’s Forensic Lecture Fails to Avert Murder Conviction
Retired chemistry professor Mamta Pathak delivered a self-argued forensic chemistry defense in her husband’s electrocution murder trial, but the High Court upheld her life sentence.
Professor Takes the Stand
At 63, retired chemistry professor Mamta Pathak addressed the court in Madhya Pradesh, dressed in a white sari and glasses. She argued that distinguishing thermal from electrical burns required specialized chemical analysis beyond a standard post-mortem report.
Justice Vivek Agarwal reminded her that the official autopsy had shown clear signs of electrocution, but Pathak cited forensic texts and electron microscopy theories to challenge the finding.
Scientific Argument and Investigation Gaps
Pathak, who studied law in prison, cited alleged gaps in the probe: no qualified electrical experts at the scene, an insured house with no record of electrical faults, and possible alternative causes of death such as heart disease and a slip causing a hematoma.
Motive and Circumstantial Evidence
Police seized an 11-meter electric wire with a two-pin plug, six sleeping pills from a ten-pill strip, and CCTV footage. Prosecutors argued Pathak had drugged her husband Neeraj Pathak and then electrocuted him amid suspicions of infidelity and marital discord.
Verdict and Sentence
Last month, the High Court dismissed Pathak’s appeal and upheld her life sentence for the April 2021 murder. The judges concluded that the circumstantial evidence and motive outweighed her forensic defenses.
Main insight: Pathak’s detailed chemistry lecture held the court’s attention but could not overcome the strength of motive and evidence against her.
This topic was reported by BBC News.
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