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Showkat’s body released but is not yet buried

DUBAI — The body of Showkat Nazir, who died on September 22 after an allegedly botched sinus operation, has been released after formalities but the burial could not take place due to complicated laws.

Showkat’s brother, Tariq, yesterday said that though the Dubai Police had released his body after completing autopsy, the burial was delayed because of the rules and regulations. “His body is in Dubai, but since he holds a Sharjah visa, he can only be buried in that emirate. The formalities are yet to be completed,” he said.

Police conducted the autopsy after the family lodged a complaint against the doctor, who did the surgery, Dr Syed Waseem Akhtar, and the New Medical Centre (NMC) in Dubai where the operation took place.

Showkat’s family said that the police had forwarded the autopsy report to the court concerned for further action. The case will also be investigated by an independent committee set up by Dohms who will then submit the report to the court.

Director General of Dohms Qadhi Murooshid said that after the case had been presented in court, members from the Mortality and Morbidity (M&M) Department would review the case and present their report to the court for the final verdict. “The police is not authorised to pass any verdict on the case,” he said, adding that the decision of the court is final.

Showkat underwent a sinus surgery on September 2 at the NMC, Dubai. His condition worsened following the surgery and he was admitted to the Belhoul Specialty Hospital. He died after being in coma for 19 days.

Showkat got married two-and-a-half years ago and has a 16-month-old son, Salem. He was the only bread earner for five sisters and his elderly parents in Kashmir.