Narco analysis

Narco Analysis

1. NARCO ANALYSIS

2. The term “ Narco Analysis” is derived form the Greek word meaning anesthesia or torpor and is used to describe a diagnostic & psychotherapeutic technique that uses psychotropic drugs, particularly barbiturates, to induce a stupor in which mental elements with strong associated affects comes to the surface, where they can be exploited by the therapist. INTRODUCTION

3. The term Narco analysis was coined by HORSELEY. Narco analysis Ist reached the mainstream in 1922, when Robert House, a Texas obstetrician used the drug scopolamine in two prisoners. A truth drug or truth serum is a psychoactive medication used to obtain information from subjects who are unable or unwilling to provide it. HISTORY

4. In the narco analysis test, the subjects imagination is neutralized by making him semi-conscious. In this state, it becomes difficult for him to lie & his answers would be restricted facts he is already aware of. Expert inject the subject with SODIUM AMYTAL. The dose is dependent on the person’s sex, age, health & physical condition. A wrong dose can result a person going into a coma, or even death. What are Narco analysis tests?

5. The subject is not in a position to speak up on his own but can answer specific but simple questions. The answers are believed to be spontaneous as a semi- conscious person is unable to manipulate the answers.

6. When a brain recognises a person or a sound, it generates a particular type of electric wave, which is called P300. Sensors are attached to the head of a person undergoing a P300 test & the subject is seated before a computer monitor. The subject is not asked any question. P300 Test

7. He is then shown certain images or made to hear certain sounds. The sensors monitor electrical activity in the brain & register P300 waves, which are generated only if the subject has some connection with the stimulus, in this case pictures or sounds. These are used by investigators to cross check their findings, determine if a suspect is telling the truth or make him reveal facts pertaining to a case.

8. It is used by investigating agencies as an interrogative technique. It was Ist used in 2002, in the Godhra Carnage Probe. During the Telgi scam, the use of narcoanalysis came under the scanner, and recently it was used in the Arushi murder investigation. Narco analysis is based on the principle that a person is able to lie using his imagination & therefore, under the influence of the test the capacity of his imagination is blocked, by leading the person into a semi conscious state. Hence whatever the person says is restricted to the facts that he is aware of. IMPORTANCE

9. Narco analysis involves the use of certain barbiturates, using sodium pentothal. It is used in conjunction with other tests – polygraph, or the lie detector test, psychological profiling & brain mapping. The most laborious part of a criminal investigation is extracting information from an uncooperative source, & therefore narco analysis provides a simply, non-violent method of finding out the truth.

10. Narco analysis is being mainstreamed into investigations & court hearings in India. This raises grave scientific & ethical question. Narco analysis is conducted in a forensic labs in the presence of a physician & an anesthetist who administers the barbiturate. A clinical psychologist questions the suspect. Here, a suspect in a 2004 murder case in Bangalore is being “ narco analyzed”. The Court acquitted her as narco analysis could be used only for investigation & not to convict suspects.

11. Narco analysis is not openly permitted for investigative purposes in most developed or democratic countries. In India, the narco analysis test is done by a team comprising of an anesthesiologist, a psychiatrist, a clinical/ forensic psychologist, an audio-videographer, and supporting nursing staff. LEGAL ASPECTS

12. The main provision regarding Crime investigation & trail in the Indian Constitution in Article 20(3). It deals with the privileged against self- incrimination. CONSTITUTIONAL & LEGAL STAND

13. THANK YOU