The funeral of Krishnawtee Seerauj, 61, also known as Brinda née Baboolall, took place in a moving atmosphere on Monday morning, August 21. This 60-year-old resident of Petit Verger, Saint Pierre had been missing since Thursday August 10. She had gone for a walk on Montagne du Pouce, but never returned to her home. Her body, in an advanced state of decomposition, was discovered by five of her relatives on Sunday August 20, lying on the side of the mountain overlooking Tranquebar. An autopsy performed the same day was unable to determine the cause of death.
Since the woman’s disappearance, a vast search operation has been launched by several police units, including the regular force, the Criminal Investigation Division, the Special Mobile Force, the Special Supporting Unit, commandos from the Mauritius Police Intervention Group, the canine unit and the Drone Unit. The police helicopter also flew over the area several times, but without success.
On Sunday morning, August 20, at around 10 a.m., five members of the family climbed to the top of the mountain to head for the slope overlooking Tranquebar, where the victim’s body was discovered. The police Information Room was immediately alerted. The machinery was set in motion to remove the body from the site. It was not until around 4 p.m. that Krishnawtee Seerauj’s body was airlifted down the mountain before being taken to the morgue of the Dr A.G. Jeetoo Hospital, Port-Louis, for an autopsy. The autopsy, carried out by Dr Prem Chamane, Principal Police Medical Officer, at around 6.50 p.m., failed to attribute any cause to the advanced state of decomposition.
The victim’s walking stick and watch were found at the site where his body was discovered. She was identified by her nephew, who was helping with the search. Some of her relatives are wondering why she wasn’t found as quickly as possible by the better-equipped and experienced police.
Krishnawtee Seerauj’s funeral took place at 9am on Monday August 21st. She was cremated at the Circonstances crematorium in Saint Pierre.
