Mangaluru: A three-day workshop on medicolegal aspects of narco analysis and brain mapping jointly organised by the Yenepoya University and SDM Law College, Mangaluru in association with the Yenepoya Narcotics Educational Foundation of India (YNEFI) was inaugurated on January 18 at Yenepoya Medical College Hospital auditorium.
M Chandrashekar, Commissioner of Police, Mangaluru, was the chief guest. In his address, he said “Narco analysis and brain mapping have become important investigative tools for law enforcement agencies and institutions. We are in an era where we expect instant results. This has contributed to the development of advanced techniques to enable the law enforcement agencies to uncover the truth from the accused. Every person is endowed with fundamental rights and these rights are to be respected. There are blocks in the way of implementation of advanced investigative tests like narco analysis and brain mapping.”
He further went on to say, “But Narco analysis is futuristic in nature and a standardisation procedure is needed for its wider application in the field of jurisprudence. Narco analysis protects human rights and ensures to protect the innocent. By its nature and application, narco analysis technique will not harm the person who is under interrogation.”
He further added that if these kinds of techniques with their human nature and conformation with the human rights reduced the burden of law enforcement authorities while also cutting down on the pain of the accused and the investigating personnel, then such methods would definitely find a place in law enforcement departments.
Prof. James T Antony, former Principal, Thrishur and Calicut Medical College; S Rajkumar, IRS, Chief Commissioner of Customs and Central Excise, Karnataka; K R Suresh, DIG of Coast Guard and Susamma Thomas, Vice Principal of SDM Law College also spoke on the occasion. Dr. M Vijayakumar, Vice- Chancellor of Yenepoya University presided over the function.
Dr. G Shree Kumar Menon, Registrar of Yenepoya University and CEO of YNEFI welcomed and Dr. V V Mohanchandran, Professor of Psychiatry at Yenepoya Medical College proposed a vote of thanks. Dr. Ashwini Shetty and Dr. Krishna Prasad compered the programme.
The workshop is being attended by eminent experts in the fields of psychiatry, crime and law and forensic science, medical professionals, PG students, NGO representatives and human rights activists. Various aspects of narco analysis and brain mapping will be deliberated upon during the workshop.
