Kolkata Court Rejects Narco Test Request for Accused in Doctor's Murder Case

Kolkata Court Rejects Narco Test Request: In a significant development, a Kolkata court has rejected the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) request to conduct a narco-analysis test on Sanjay Roy, the prime accused in the rape and murder case of a trainee doctor at RG Kar Medical College. Initially, Roy had agreed to undergo the test but later withdrew his consent.

Sanjay Roy, who was arrested on August 10, appeared before the Sealdah Court for a closed-door hearing, a day after the CBI sought permission to perform the narco test. The test was intended to verify Roy's version of the events.

What is a Narco Test?

A narco-analysis test is conducted by administering a drug called sodium pentothal, which puts the accused in a hypnotic or sedated state. In this state, the accused's imagination is believed to be suppressed, making it difficult for them to lie and thus more likely to reveal truthful information.

Sodium pentothal, often referred to as a "truth serum," is a fast-acting anesthetic typically used in surgeries. While narco tests hold some legal validity, the Supreme Court of India ruled in 2010 that such tests cannot be conducted without the accused’s voluntary consent. The courts grant limited admissibility to these tests depending on the specific circumstances.

Narco-analysis was first used in India during the 2002 Godhra train burning case in Gujarat.

Background of the Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

The case revolves around the death of a young trainee doctor whose body was discovered on August 9 in a seminar hall at RG Kar Medical College. She was found in a semi-naked state, and the autopsy revealed that she had been sexually assaulted and suffered severe injuries.

Sanjay Roy was arrested after CCTV footage placed him at the crime scene, and his Bluetooth headphones were found nearby. He has been the main suspect in the case, which has sparked widespread outrage.

Previous Investigation Steps

Before requesting the narco test, the CBI had conducted polygraph (lie detector) tests on Roy, as well as the former principal and four other doctors at RG Kar Medical College. Polygraph tests measure physiological indicators like blood pressure, pulse, and respiration while the subject answers questions. Changes in these indicators can suggest deceptive or truthful responses.

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As the legal proceedings continue, the rejection of the CBI's request for a narco test marks a pivotal moment in the investigation. With the accused’s refusal and the court's decision, the focus will likely shift to other investigative methods to ensure justice in this high-profile case.