Death of Indian nurse Jacintha Saldanha: Prank call Inquest begins

Death of Indian nurse Jacintha Saldanha: Prank call Inquest begins

Mangalore Today News Network

Mangalore, Sep 11, 2014: The inquest into the death of Mangalorean nurse Jacintha Saldanha, who allegedly committed suicide nine months back in London, finally begins after a long wait of over 21 months at the Royal Courts of Justice on Thursday.

Sources said that no outcome could be expected in the immediate - that is a finding other than whether she committed suicide. "There’s too much heat on establishing whether the DJs were to blame,’’ the source added.

Jacintha, 46, nurse who worked at King Edward VII’s Hospital in London, United Kingdom was found hanging with a scarf around her neck at her quarters at the Central London hospital on December 7, 2013, three days after receiving a hoax call at the hospital where pregnant Duchess of Cambridge was staying.

Westminster Council has confirmed that the Australians — Mel Greig and Michael Christian — won’t give evidence at the inquest either in person or via video-link.

Nine witnesses will appear at the royal courts of justice in London on Thursday but they won’t be identified ahead of the inquest.

British Indian MP Keith Vaz who is representing the family said, "The death which took place on December 7, 2012, will be subject to an inquest to be held on September 11. This inquest will finally take place after a wait of over 21 months. It is has been a long road for the family and I deeply admire the patience, humility and dignity they have shown throughout this traumatic time. It is right that they finally gain closure".

"Jacintha’s family were delighted to hear the news, announced this week, that the Duchess of Cambridge is expecting her second child, and want to pass on their heartfelt congratulations to Ben (Jacintha’s Husband), Junal, Lisha (Jacintha’s children) will attend the hearing on Thursday."

Saldanha (45) killed herself just days after radio station 2DayFM’s Mel Greig and Michael Christian rang the King Edward VII hospital posing as the Queen and Prince Charles.

It was in this private hospital that the Duchess of Cambridge was being treated for acute morning sickness.

Jacintha’s suicide note read "Please accept my apologies. I am truly sorry. Thank you for all your support. I hold the Australians Mel Greig and Michael Christian responsible for this act. Please make them pay my mortgage. I am sorry".

Two crucial witnesses — the matron who had put Saldana on duty that fateful morning when the two Australian DJs made the hoax call, and the nurse who finally gave out details of Middleton’s condition including her suffering from acute morning sickness — will appear in Court on Thursday.

The inquest is listed for two days.

Other witnesses could include the colleague and security officer who found Saldanha’s body at staff quarters near the hospital. Former King Edward VII hospital chief executive John Lofthouse may be present alongside the lead police investigator. The matron in charge at the time could also be called to help examine Saldanha’s state of mind after the hoax.