Fresh Complications in repatriation of the mortal remains of deceased Bollywood star Sridevi

Update: (9.00 PM)

Gulf News reports that repatriation of the mortal remains of deceased Bollywood star Sridevi may have hit an 'open ended' situation with no definite timelines available.

A short while ago India’s Ambassador to the UAE Navdeep Singh Suri informed Gulf News that since the case has been referred to the Public Prosecution, the repatriation issue is now open ended. The ambassador also that added that the Indian Embassy was in touch with Dubai authorities to get clearance and is hopeful it will happen soon.

Quoting a legal official, Gulf News reports that in event of accidental death, the post-mortem results and forensic examination reports are referred to the Public Prosecution as part of ordinary law enforcement procedures. After review by prosecutors of the jurisdiction where the incident happened, an official order to hand over the body of the deceased to the family or relatives is issued. In case of any suspicious foul play, prosecutors would carry out further detailed investigations and decide on any future law enforcement procedures.

Dubai Police had announced that their initial investigation suggested that Sridevi drowned following loss of consciousness in the bathtub of her hotel room.
They also found traces of alcohol in her body and this may have led to the accident.  They referred case to the Dubai public prosecution for further investigation.

As Autopsy Report Gets Delayed, Anxious Moments For Late Actress Sridevi’s Friends And Family

The Gulf News, quoting Dubai Police sources has reported that there will be further delays in repatriating the body of Bollywood matinee idol Sridevi, who passed away in Dubai on Saturday (24 February).

The officials at the Forensic Medicine Department announced that the final post-mortem reports of their investigation were not ready as of yet. The representatives of the Indian Consulate were also given to understand that the forensic department authorities were not in a position to give an accurate update on what time the reports can be released.

Indian Consulate officials have also told Gulf News that  they do not wish to speculate on the timeframe and would rather wait for the Dubai Police to issue the results to carry out the rest of the procedures for the repatriation.

While the toxicology reports of tests done on blood and organs of deceased Bollywood superstar to ascertain the the exact cause of her death are awaited, Sridevi's body is still said to be in the morgue. No exceptions have been made in the case to expedite the formalities despite her celebrity status.

In case the reports  do not conclusively confirm a natural cause, further investigations will be ordered  which would mean even more delays in repatriation of the the mortal remains .

Initial media reports quoting Sridevi’s family had indicated that  she had died of a cardiac arrest. The star had apparently collapsed in the bathroom of her room in Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel. The actress reportedly experienced a fainting spell in her bathroom and was rushed to Rashid Hospital in Dubai. Sources in the Indian Consulate said that she was brought dead to the hospital.

Sridevi's body is likely to be flown back home in a 13-seater private Embraer jet  belonging to Indian business tycoon Anil Ambani.

In an earlier message the departed actress’ family had said that Sridevi’s mortal remains will be kept for public homage at Bhagya bungalow between 9 am and 11.30 am  before being taken for cremation at 12 noon to the Pawan Hans crematorium in Juhu. However in light of the delay in completion of the formalities in Dubai, the funeral plans may have to be changed.