Opinion - Letters to the Editor   

Narcoanalysis

I agree with the author of the op-ed page article `We need to talk about narcoanalysis' (May 2) that the practice is not a reliable tool in criminal investigation. It is a misuse of scientific knowledge. Substances such as barbiturates, alcohol, and benzodiazepines act on the various neurotransmitter-receptor pathways in the brain and lower the inhibitions and defence mechanisms of an individual. In this situation, there is the fear that he or she could answer the questions in accordance with the suggestions given by the police officer during the interrogation prior to the narcoanalysis. If evidences squeezed out by this method are admitted in law it could tell upon the criminal justice system.

Dr. N.M. Mohammed Ali,
Thiruvananthapuram

* * *

As the author had said, a narcoanalysis test may help in some cases but the practice has no scientific backing.

The need is to work to enhance the investigative capabilities of our police forces in ferreting out clinching evidence in criminal cases.

R. Murali Kumar,
Srirangam

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