Mystery surrounds death of N-scientist

Kaiga, Karnataka:

Distraught family members and relatives of nuclear scientist Lokanath Mahalingam were present outside Kaiga Project hospital in Karwar. Mystery surrounds the death of the nuclear scientist who went missing earlier this week. And there is no word on how he died or just what he was doing miles away from home.

Police officials say this was the second time the scientist had gone missing.

Though Nuclear Power Corporation of India Ltd authorities have clarified that the scientist did not have access to sensitive documents, police insist they will decide whether it was a suicide or foul play only after the post-mortem report comes in.

"The investigations are with the police and we will follow up with them to see that the things go right," said Sanat Kumar, Station director, Nuclear Power Corporation of India.

A six-member team of doctors conducted the post-mortem on Mahalingam's body early on Sunday, a day after it was fished from the river Kali. Mahalingam went missing six days ago during a morning walk.

"The wife of Sri Mahalingam has identified the body," said Raman Gupta, SP, Karwar.

The scientist who left his home on Monday morning to go out for his morning walk was found in the river Kali six days after he went missing. But questions still remain unanswered as to how his body actually reached here.