Chandkheda sisters’ deaths: Four under suspicion; police to seek court nod for lie detector tests as probe intensifies

With the investigation into the deaths of two minor sisters in Chandkheda entering a crucial phase, police on Saturday said four individuals remain under suspicion, even as all of them have so far maintained similar versions during questioning. Officials added that they are likely to seek court permission to conduct lie detector (polygraph) tests in the coming days to ascertain the truth.

“During the investigation so far, all four individuals have given identical statements. We will move the court for permission to conduct lie detector tests, which may help uncover the truth,” a senior police officer said.

Authorities clarified that, at this stage, neither the father nor the grandfather can be treated as accused, as no offence has been conclusively established. “Until the crime is confirmed, we cannot detain anyone or treat them as accused. At present, four persons are under the scanner, but it is possible that further investigation may reveal the involvement of only one individual, or even suggest joint involvement of the parents. We are examining all possible angles,” the officer added.

Investigators revealed that toxicological findings from the blood samples of both parents showed the presence of similar substances, with variations only in quantity depending on consumption. Meanwhile, the post-mortem report of the four-year-old child is still awaited, with officials noting that the process is detailed and time-consuming.

On the question of a possible motive linked to a preference for a male child, police said such expectations are socially common and cannot, by themselves, be treated as grounds for suspicion. However, officials acknowledged that financial stress within the family has emerged as a factor under examination. “It has come to light that the elder brother, Vimal, was facing financial difficulties, while his siblings settled in Australia were earning well. He aspired to become a YouTuber or a model but did not achieve success,” an officer said.

Police have also scrutinised call detail records (CDR) and WhatsApp communications of the family members. “Apart from routine conversations with relatives, nothing suspicious has been found so far,” the officer added.

Addressing speculation regarding the role of food consumption, particularly fermented batter, officials said technical analysis does not support the theory that spoiled batter alone could have caused severe toxicity. “If food stored in a refrigerator is reheated, most bacteria are eliminated. Merely sour batter is unlikely to become so toxic,” an investigator said.

At present, scientific evidence has not indicated the involvement of any outsider, leading police to suspect that someone within the family may be linked to the incident. Officials added that if sufficient evidence emerges, the police would themselves become the complainant and initiate further legal proceedings.

The investigation remains ongoing, with forensic and technical inputs expected to play a decisive role in unravelling the circumstances surrounding the deaths.