Mamta Pathak, a 60-year-old former chemistry professor from Madhya Pradesh, was sentenced to life imprisonment by the Chhatarpur Sessions Court for allegedly murdering her husband, retired doctor Neeraj Pathak, in 2021. She was accused of killing him by giving sleeping pills followed by electrocution.

However, Mamta challenged the verdict in the Madhya Pradesh High Court. During her defense, she stunned the judges by explaining, with scientific clarity, why the post-mortem’s conclusion of death by electric shock was questionable. She described in detail the difference between thermal and electrical burns and how acid tests are required to conclusively identify electrocution marks.

The judge, surprised by her expertise, asked if she was a professor, to which she replied affirmatively that she was a chemistry professor. Impressed by her scientific explanation, the High Court granted her bail while reserving the final decision.

• Neeraj Pathak was found dead with burn marks initially attributed to electrocution.

• Mamta was accused of administering sleeping pills and then electrocuting him.

• Police alleged that Mamta was aware of her husband’s extramarital affair and that their relationship was strained.

• Audio recordings surfaced suggesting alleged torture by Mamta towards Neeraj.

• Mamta had previously filed and then withdrawn a police complaint against her husband for allegedly drugging her.

This case has gained wide attention for the unique way Mamta used her scientific knowledge to defend herself and secure bail despite a life sentence conviction.