Test of wits: Forensics lab gets machine to read criminal minds

NEW DELHI: Whether it was the Aarushi murder or the case of alleged serial rapist Sunil Rastogi, investigators have found it beneficial to go for a study of the suspect’s brain. This helps them understand the suspect’s psyche as well as the case. However, with only one facility in the country catering to a large number of applications, it’s tough to conduct the procedure in time.

In what will be a boost to investigations being done by police in Delhi and adjoining states, the capital’s forensics lab has now acquired a brain-mapping machine. It will soon start accepting cases in which deception detection tests are required.

The move is significant as such a facility currently exists only in the forensics department in Gujarat. Not only police, but anti-terror units like Special Cell, National Investigation Agency, CBI and UP’s anti-terror squad (ATS) can use the facility without having to rush all the way to Ahmedabad.

The forensics unit of Delhi government located in Rohini has informed Delhi high court about the acquisition through an affidavit, officials confirmed.

“The brain-mapping test is a forensic investigation that has important clinical, scientific, ethical and legal implications. The technique is being promoted as scientific, more accurate and convincing evidence,” said Dr Rajnish Singh, spokesperson of the unit.

Officials said that the facility in Delhi will reduce the pressure on law enforcement agencies and speed up criminal proceedings. “This is a purely scientific procedure that will help in finding facts. It will directly help investigating agencies gather evidence, thereby increasing the rate of prosecution of the guilty and acquittal of the innocent,” Singh added.

Brain mapping is a neuroscience technique that studies the brain to reveal “guilty knowledge”, officials said. The subject is made to listen to questions or statements having a predetermined set of words. During this monologue, the experts watch out for activation of the brain for the associated memory. The subject is not required to answer orally and the activity in his brain is monitored through electrodes.

However, the test has legal constraints as well. The results can only aid in the probe as they have no legal sanctity. Also, the consent of the subject has to be obtained prior to the examination. The suspect can refuse the test, said a police officer. “For example, terror accused Abdul Karim Tunda refused to undergo the test citing his old age and medical problems,” the officer recalled.

In January, the high court, while hearing the case of a missing minor boy, expressed surprise that there was only one narco-test facility in the country. The court asked Delhi government to procure a narco-test machine and start operations within three months.