AIIMS begins histopathology test on Akshay's viscera samples

The AIIMS on Wednesday began the histopathological examination of the viscera samples of deceased TV journalist Akshay Singh but refused a toxicology examination since the hospital didn't have the mandate to conduct it.

The All India Institute of Medical Sciences instead urged the Madhya Pradesh police to send the samples to the city-based Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) for the toxicology test, where it would be ascertained if the journalist was poisoned or not.

"The histopathological examination has commenced at the Forensic Medicine Department and the results are expected within a month," said a statement from the hospital.

"The AIIMS advised the investigating officer for sending a viscera sample to the FSL in Rohini for toxicological examination (detection of chemicals) and also assured to extend necessary medical expertise required in the case," added the statement.

Histopathology refers to the examination of a biopsy or surgical specimen by a pathologist, after the specimen has been processed and histological sections placed onto glass slides.

The viscera samples of Akshay Singh, an Aaj Tak TV journalist who died under mysterious circumstances while covering the Vyapam scam in Jhabua in Madhya Pradesh on Saturday, were brought to AIIMS on Tuesday by the Madhya Pradesh police.

Akshay died soon after interviewing the parents of a girl, Namrata Damor, who was found dead in 2012 after her name figured in the massive Vyapam scam.

Over 40 people allegedly associated with the admission and recruitment scam in Vyapam - the Madhya Pradesh Vyavsayik Pariksha Mandal or Professional Examination Board - have died since 2013 under mysterious circumstances or committed suicide.