The investigation into the case of missing body of a 24-year-old footballer from the morgue of Goa Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) has been handed over to the Goa Crime Branch, a senior official said Monday. The footballer, Januz Gonsalves, died a few days ago while playing. His body was later taken to GMCH, Goa's biggest government hospital located near Panaji.

Family members of the footballer were in shock last week when they were told that his mortal remains were disposed of by GMCH through the Corporation of City of Panaji as an "unclaimed body". Director General of Police Muktesh Chandar told reporters that the investigation into the case, which was earlier with the Agassaim police, will now be carried out by the Crime Branch. The health department had suspended the head of GMCH's forensic department, Edumundo Rodrigues, for negligence after the incident came to light.