Court gives nod for narco test on Aftab Poonawalla, What is a narco test? Fully Explained | Aaftab Amin Poonawala Shradha Walkar Killing case latest news Delhi Police

Court gives nod for narco test on Aftab Poonawalla, What is a narco test? Fully Explained - Narco test is the advanced examination tool for interrogation. A narco test is also known as truth serum, it has been used for solving crucial cases in the past. 

It has recently come to spotlight after a Delhi Court ordered narco test for Aaftab Amin Poonawala in the bone-chilling Shradha Walkar killing case.

What is narco test? 

The test involves the intravenous administration of a drug (such as sodium pentothal, scopolamine and sodium amytal) that causes the person undergoing it to enter into various stages of anaesthesia. The term narco-analysis is derived from the Greek word narko (meaning anaesthesia or Torpor) and is used to describe a diagnostic and psychotherapeutic technique that uses psychotropic drugs, particularly barbiturates.

Why narco test is used?

In the hypnotic stage, the person becomes less inhibited and is more likely to divulge information, which would usually not be revealed in the conscious state. The investigating agencies use this test after other evidences do not provide a clear picture of the case.

What are the narco test norms in India? 

According to norms, the consent of the person is also necessary for being subjected to narco test. The Supreme Court had ruled that narco analysis, brain mapping and polygraph tests cannot be conducted on any person without his or her consent. The apex court had noted in response to petitions questioning the validity of such tests, are illegal and a violation of personal liberty.

Narco test statements valid in court? 

However, statements made during narco analysis test are not admissible in the court, except under certain circumstances when the court thinks that the facts and nature of the case permit it. 

What happens during the narco test?

According to experts, during the narco test, the person's inhibitions are lowered by interfering with his or her nervous system at the molecular level. In such a sleep-like state, efforts are made to obtain probative truth about the crime. The dose of the injected substance is decided as per the person's sex, age, health, and physical condition.

The person concerned is then interrogated by the investigating agencies in the presence of doctors. The revelations made during this stage are video recorded. The report prepared by the expert is used in the process of collecting evidence. The procedure is conducted at a government hospital, after a court order permitting the same.

Previous cases where narco test was used? 

The narco analysis test was most notably used in the 2002 Gujarat riots case, Abdul Karim Telgi fake stamp paper scam, the Nithari killings case in 2007 and the 26/11 Mumbai terror attack case on captured terrorist Ajmal Kasab.

(PTI Inputs) 

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