Press Release: Inquest into the death of Soviya Rajaratnam
2 days ago
1 min read
The Inquest into the death of Soviya Rajaratnam is set to conclude tomorrow at Croydon Coroner’s Court.
Soviya died on 9 September 2021, after absconding from the Royal Bethlem Hospital. She was only 19 years old.
Soviya was a patient detained under section 2 of the Mental Health Act at the time of her death. The Inquest has heard evidence that Soviya was a serial absconder, and that she ran away from nursing staff while out on leave on 8 September, before being found dead the following day.
The Court’s independent expert psychiatrist, Dr Soham Das, gave evidence yesterday that there was a missed opportunity to admit Soviya to a locked rehab unit. He gave evidence that this materially contributed to her death. Dr Das also gave evidence that the risk of Soviya absconding massively increased the day before she ran away, and that her leave should have been stopped.
On Thursday (17 September), the jury will be directed by the Coroner and will return their findings. The hearing will take place at the Coroner’s Court, 2 Robert St, Croydon CR0 1QQ.
Soviya’s family will be available for comment/interview. Pictures of Soviya and a pen portrait on her life can be provided.
If you are interested in reporting on this story and/or speaking with the family, please contact Patrick Dunne on PatrickD@ikpsolicitors.com or on 02074043004.
