top of page

By:

Dr. Keshav Kumar & Hemanth Sai Reddy

19 June 2025 at 2:30:46 pm

Beyond the ‘Truth Serum’

Narcoanalysis is often sensationalised as a “truth serum”, but in reality, it is a scientific investigative aid grounded in neuroscience and forensic psychology. In an era where crime has become increasingly sophisticated, law-enforcement agencies are compelled to rely on science as much as instinct. Among the most debated tools in this scientific arsenal is narcoanalysis, often sensationalised as a “truth serum” test. While critics question its ethics and reliability, narcoanalysis, when...

Beyond the ‘Truth Serum’

Narcoanalysis is often sensationalised as a “truth serum”, but in reality, it is a scientific investigative aid grounded in neuroscience and forensic psychology. In an era where crime has become increasingly sophisticated, law-enforcement agencies are compelled to rely on science as much as instinct. Among the most debated tools in this scientific arsenal is narcoanalysis, often sensationalised as a “truth serum” test. While critics question its ethics and reliability, narcoanalysis, when applied lawfully and scientifically, has proved to be a valuable investigative aid, particularly in complex and deadlocked cases. Narcoanalysis involves the controlled administration of barbiturates such as sodium pentothal (sodium thiopental), sodium amytal, or similar drugs that depress the central nervous system. These substances induce a semi-conscious state in which higher cognitive inhibitions are lowered. The scientific premise rests on neuroscience and psychology: when cortical control is suppressed, a subject becomes less guarded, allowing spontaneous verbalisation of memories that may be consciously suppressed during conventional interrogation. Trained forensic psychologists, assisted by anaesthesiologists, conduct questioning in this altered mental state, ensuring medical safety and procedural discipline. From a neural and philosophical standpoint, narcoanalysis recognises the layered nature of human cognition. Memory is not always accessible through conscious recall; fear, guilt, or trauma often block truthful disclosure. By chemically reducing mental resistance, narcoanalysis can allow access to subconscious recollections. India’s experience with narcoanalysis includes several high-profile criminal investigations. In the Nithari serial killings case, narcoanalysis of the accused reportedly helped investigators reconstruct timelines and locate corroborative evidence when the probe had reached a standstill. Similarly, during the Telgi fake stamp paper scam, narcoanalysis was used to unravel the scale of the conspiracy and identify critical links, leading to further recoveries and arrests. In cases involving organised crime and terrorism, the technique has often served as a breakthrough mechanism. The judiciary has acknowledged this investigative utility while firmly drawing constitutional boundaries. In Selvi & Ors. v. State of Karnataka (2010) ,  the Supreme Court held that   involuntary narcoanalysis is unconstitutional, as it violates the right against self-incrimination under Article 20(3) and the right to personal liberty under Article 21. However, the judgement did not discard narcoanalysis altogether. Instead, it carved out a lawful space for its voluntary use, subject to strict safeguards. The Court clarified that narcoanalysis may be conducted only with the free, informed consent of the subject,   recorded before a judicial magistrate, with access to legal counsel and full disclosure of medical and legal consequences. Crucially, while statements made during narcoanalysis are not admissible as evidence ,  the court recognised that facts discovered as a result of such statements may be admissible, provided they are independently verified. Thus, if narcoanalysis leads to the discovery of a weapon, location, or material fact, and such discovery is corroborated independently, it can assume evidentiary value not because of the statement itself, but because of the factual discovery it enables. Indian courts have, on occasion, acknowledged the relevance of scientific interrogation techniques. The Bombay High Court, in cases such as  Ramchandra Ram Reddy v. State of Maharashtra , emphasises narcoanalysis and related forensic tests as necessary modern investigative tools, provided they are conducted ethically, scientifically, and under judicial oversight. While courts remain cautious, there is judicial appreciation of science-led investigation when constitutional safeguards are respected. Institutions such as the Directorate of Forensic Science Services (DFS) and Gujarat FSL have further strengthened the credibility of narcoanalysis by developing it within a forensic psychology framework, adhering to international medical and ethical standards. Their work demonstrates that narcoanalysis, when conducted by experts rather than interrogators, can align with both science and law. Narcoanalysis is neither a magic wand nor a mediaeval coercive practice. It is a scientific investigative aid, meant to supplement—not supplant—traditional evidence. Used voluntarily, cautiously, and professionally, it can illuminate investigative paths otherwise hidden. In the balance between civil liberties and societal interest in justice, narcoanalysis deserves not dismissal but disciplined acceptance within the rule of law.   (Kumar is a former IPS officer and forensic consultant to Assam government. Reddy is Forensic Psychologist & Corporate Security & Loss Prevention Executive. Views personal.)

People praise Army for protecting

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah interacts with displaced border residents at a shelter camp.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah interacts with displaced border residents at a shelter camp.

Garkhal (J&K): Men and machines of the armed forces worked meticulously to ensure the interception of Kamikaze drones and missiles fired by Pakistani troops targeting Jammu, drawing widespread appreciation from people.


India on Thursday night swiftly thwarted Pakistan's fresh attempts to strike military sites with drones and missiles, including in Jammu and Pathankot, after foiling similar bids at 15 locations across the country's northern and western regions, amid a military conflict between the two neighbours.


Looking after the operational area of Jammu under the command of the 9 Corps, the 26 Infantry Division, nicknamed the "Tiger Division", had put in place a robust air-defence system, virtually carving out an Israel-type Iron Dome to protect Jammu from a Hamas-style attack by Pakistan.


An official who was privy to the developments said it was a meticulous combination of men and machines in defence that thwarted such a massive Pakistani attack.


In the dead of night, Pakistan unleashed its most audacious assault on Jammu since the 1971 war, deploying a swarm of more than a hundred Kamikaze drones and missiles in a sinister attempt to devastate the city. But what followed was a show of unmatched precision, courage and resilience.


"We are indebted to our armed forces who have saved Jammu from a major attack by Pakistan. We appreciate them for their missionary work. We never thought these bombs could be neutralised in the air," Garkhal resident Sikender Singh said.


Singh, whose family, along with more than 500 villagers, has shifted to safer camps set up by the government in Mishriwala on the Jammu outskirts, said had the bombs not been intercepted, they could have caused massive deaths and destruction.


Finest system

The Army, backed by one of the world's finest air-defence systems, intercepted the aerial barrage with astonishing accuracy -- virtually every hostile object was destroyed mid-air. Not a single vital installation was touched. Not a single civilian life was lost.


"Eight missiles from Pakistan were directed at Satwari, Samba, R S Pura and Arnia. All were intercepted and blocked by air-defence units. Visuals over Jammu reminded exactly of a Hamas-style attack on Israel, like multiple cheap rockets," an Army official said.


He said the Pakistan Army is operating and behaving like Hamas. "Drones were sighted at multiple places along the western front -- confirmed to be hostile. They are being effectively engaged by our air-defence systems. Pakistani drone attacks have been reported at various locations along the western borders and are being effectively countered by the Indian armed forces," he added.


The multi-tier air-defence system, with a twin technological security architecture of Russian and Israeli surface-to-air missile setups and the indigenous Akash, was a game changer against such attacks.


Former Jammu and Kashmir director general of police S P Vaid appreciated the armed forces and their technological security systems for effectively dealing with the Pakistani attacks.


He said 50 to 60 air attacks by Pakistan over Jammu and other places were neutralised on Thursday night by the impregnable air-defence system of the country.


Comments

bottom of page