A police force in Britain has apologised for failing to save an Indian-origin man who went missing 12 days before he was found dead in his bed at home by his sister.
An inquest was told how Amar Khosah's life may have been saved if Hampshire Constabulary officers had broken the door down when they visited his home in Southampton.
"The property could have been entered at any time," coroner Keith Wiseman said.
The 52-year-old was reported missing on July 23 by his mental health worker after he failed to attend two appointments.
Police called at his home several times and posted notes through his door but no attempt was made to gain entry, the Southampton Coroners' Court heard this week.
Khosah's sister Amar Sameja found the body when she forced the door after returning from India on August 4.
Pathologist Sanjay Jogai concluded Khosah had died from an overdose of the prescription painkiller tramadol. He could not be sure about the time of death but believed it was likely to have been three to five days before the body was found.
Wiseman recorded an open verdict, saying it was unclear whether Khosah had taken his own life intentionally or by mistake.
"This becomes intriguing because if he had not in fact died at that stage, then we do have a situation where if the property had been entered he could have been found wholly unharmed," he said.
According to media reports, family friend Fabian Nicholas told the inquest that police had been given permission to force entry to Khosah's flat by his sister, who lives in London.
However, Inspector Phil Lamb said there was no record of such a permission.
The Investigations Standards Team and Hampshire Constabulary's Professional Standards Department (PSD) have since reviewed the way the case was handled and concluded there was "confusion among officers" about the status of Khosah's disappearance.
"However, following the coroner's comments, PSD will review further what individual and organisational learning should follow," said Superintendent James Fulton.
"We have also assured Mr Khosah's family that all officers involved in this investigation are being spoken to and given refresher training on the problem areas highlighted," he said.
