Lagatar24 Desk
Kolkata: 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 alleged rape and murder of a doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The decision came after Roy refused to give his consent during a closed-door hearing at the Sealdah Court on Friday.
Sanjay Roy, who was arrested on August 11 in connection with the death of a 31-year-old postgraduate trainee doctor, was presented before the judge, who directly asked him if he had any objections to undergoing the narco test. Roy declined, invoking his right to refuse the test under the 2010 Supreme Court ruling, which mandates that such tests cannot be conducted without the accused’s voluntary consent.
CBI’s Request and Investigation
The CBI had approached the court, arguing that the narco-analysis test would help verify Roy’s version of events and assist in the investigation. A CBI officer explained that the test could help determine if Roy was telling the truth. However, with Roy’s refusal, the agency’s request was denied.
Previously, the CBI had conducted polygraph tests on Roy and other individuals involved in the case, but it sought further clarity through a narco test. The agency also visited RG Kar Medical College on Thursday to gather more information from hospital authorities and review departments connected to the case.
Legal Context and Narco-Analysis
Narco-analysis involves administering sodium pentothal to place the subject in a hypnotic state, making it difficult for them to lie. While the test has limited legal admissibility in Indian courts, it is considered useful in extracting truthful information during investigations. However, it cannot be conducted without the subject’s voluntary consent, as per the Supreme Court ruling.
The case, which has drawn significant public attention, was transferred to the CBI on August 23 following an order by the Calcutta High Court. Roy’s refusal to undergo a narco test adds another layer of complexity to the investigation.
