Poison was found in the stomach of Nausori Highlands alleged murder victims Nirmal Kumar and Usha Devi.
This was revealed by forensics pathologist Dr James Kalounivaki who took the witness stand in the multiple murder trial of Mohammed Isoof at the High Court in Lautoka yesterday (Monday, January 3, 2022).
The witness revealed his findings of the post-mortem examination carried out on the deceased couple whose bodies were found alongside their daughter Nileshni Kajal, 34, and two grandchildren, Sana, 11, and Samara, 8, on August 25, 2019.
He said a yellowish fluid, which was corrosive in nature, was discovered in both victims.
Dr Kalounivaki said the yellowish fluid tested positive for a pesticide.
He informed the court that if consumed, the pesticide would bring about death within hours and confirmed that if consumed in large amounts, would be fatal.
He added his internal examinations of the couple also found bleeding and swelling of the brain, lungs filled with fluid, and bleeding and weathering of their stomach walls.
Meanwhile, 56 $100 banknotes ($5600) were found at the home of Mohammed Isoof at Legalega in Nadi where a search was conducted by crime scene investigators on August 28, 2019.
This was revealed by State witness Nadi Police Station Criminal Investigation Department officer Inspector Vijash Prasad who said the cash was found in a blue travel bag which was shown to the officers by Mr Isoof.
He said when questioning Mr Isoof if he had any valuables in the house, he took the officers to his bedroom where he had the cash stored in a travel bag.
Mr Isoof also revealed to the detective that he had withdrawn $10,000 from New Zealand and brought it to Fiji for the construction of his home in Legalega.
During cross-examination, defence lawyer Iqbal Khan asked Insp Prasad if he had seen any construction work being carried out at Mr Isoof’s home to which he responded “yes”.
Mr Khan said Mr Isoof had voluntarily shown the officers any valuables he had in his home on the day of the search.
The trial continues tomorrow.
