Inquest into the death of Monika Chetty

39y · Female·Complications from burns, such burns being from acid doused over 80% of Ms Chetty's body

Monika Chetty, aged 39, died from complications of severe acid burns covering 80% of her body sustained in early December 2013. She was found in bushland in West Hoxton on 4 January 2014 and died 27 days later at Concord Hospital. The coroner found this was a homicide by unknown person(s). Prior to the fatal attack, Monika had presented repeatedly to hospitals with unexplained burn injuries from 2012-2013, with varying explanations (cooking, radiator, car bonnet). These presentations were not systematically investigated to consider self-infliction or patterns of harm. Her deteriorating social circumstances, homelessness, involvement in immigration fraud scams, gambling debts, and extreme financial desperation created vulnerability. Clinical lessons include: healthcare providers should identify patterns of repeated, inconsistently explained injuries; mental health assessment should be offered to patients presenting with self-harm indicators; and vulnerable patients with multiple presentations warrant comprehensive safety assessment and social work involvement.