FSL clarifies to the CBI that the breaks in the narco tapes were not due to editing but frequent interruptions of a bodily nature
FSL clarifies to the CBI that the breaks in the narco tapes were not due to editing but frequent interruptions of a bodily nature
The narco tapes of the accused in the Sr Abhaya murder case were not edited as alleged but paused to allow them to answer nature's call, FSL sources told CBI officials.
A team of CBI officials, led by deputy superintendent of police Nanda Kumar, are in Bangalore to question former assistant director of the Forensic Science Laboratory, Dr S Malini, who conducted the narcoanalysis on the accused Fr Jose Puthrakoil, Fr Thomas Kuttoor and Sr Sephy.
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The Ernakulam court had directed the CBI to investigate the matter following an objection from the defense counsel alleging that the CD containing the narcoanalysis had been edited. The Centre foru00a0 the Development of Imaging Technology had confirmed that the CDs were edited.
Private space
The recording had to be stopped to give the accused time to attend nature's call since they had been administered with IV fluids and wanted to urinate frequently. Moreover, both Fr Kuttoor and Fr Puthrakoil shook their heads and bodies as when hysterical and the wires attached to them had to be disconnected many times.
"All the accused are over 50 years and suffer from multiple ailments. Though they had consented to a narco test, they were not cooperative, especially when asked uncomfortable questions," the sources added.
BP problems
As for Sr Sephy, sources said she was suffering from blood pressure and despite reminders, had not taken her medicine the previous night or in the morning.
As a result, she started vomiting soon after the test began and wanted to use the bed pan.
"We had to cut short Sephy's narco test to 18 minutes due to her deteriorating health," sources said.
The defence counsel has misinterpreted this as "editing", sources added.
When contacted, CBI officials conducting the inquiry in Bangalore, refused to comment on the issue.
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