Shraddha Murder Accused Aftab To Undergo Narco Test: What Is It And How It Works?

The Delhi Police have got permission from the court to conduct a narco analysis test on Aftab Poonawala, who allegedly killed his live-in partner and chopped her body into pieces.

Shraddha Murder Accused Aftab To Undergo Narco Test

The Delhi Police have got permission from the court to conduct a narco analysis test on Aftab Poonawala, who allegedly killed his live-in partner Shraddha Walker and chopped her body into pieces. The police secured the test permission as Aftab has been giving incorrect information to them and trying to mislead the investigation. 

Police have recovered 13 body parts, believed to be of the woman, from different areas and have been sent for DNA analysis.

Here's all about the narco test-

What is a narco test?

Sodium pentothal, also known as truth serum, is administered to the accused during the narco-analysis test. When this medication is administered, a person's self-consciousness decreases, enabling them to communicate freely as the person enters a hypnotic state. Examiners are able to get genuine answers to their questions after the administration of this drug.

This test is only performed in the presence of a psychologist, investigating officer, or forensic expert. According to a report by Telangana Today, the narco test is said to be a viable alternative to other commonly known third-degree treatments used by investigating departments.

How is the test performed?

The hypnotic Sodium Pentothal, also known as Thiopentone, is injected into the person if he or she is medically fit. The dosage of the drug is determined by the patient’s age, gender, and other medical conditions. Apart from all the other precautions that must be taken before the test, the dosage must be exact since the incorrect amount prescribed can result in death or coma.

Is narco test legal in India?

The narco-analysis, polygraph and brain mapping tests on an accused are held illegal by the Supreme Court. However, the court has permitted the use of such techniques in criminal cases on consent and with some safeguards. The subject’s permission should be recorded and presented to the magistrate.

Like confessions, narco-analysis tests generally don't have legal validity as it is made by a semi-conscious person and are not admissible in court. The court may, however, grant limited admissibility after considering the circumstances under which the test was obtained.

Narco tests in India

In India, the first narco-analysis test was carried out in 2022 in the Godhra case. In the year 2003, Abdul Karim Telgi was tested in the Telgi stamp paper scam. Though much information was generated in the case of Telgi, questions were raised about its value as evidence.

The two main suspects in the infamous Nithari serial killings were also subjected to a narcotics test in Gandhinagar, Gujarat. 

Is narco test 100% accurate?

According to the reports by Telangana Today, narco analysis is not completely accurate. It was observed that several subjects had made false claims. This test is regarded as an unscientific method used for investigation.