1984 anti-Sikh riots: Jagdish Tytler opposes CBI's lie detection test

Congress leader Jagdish Tytler on Friday opposed an application moved by the CBI in a Delhi Court to conduct a lie detection test on him in connection in his alleged role in the death of three Sikhs during the anti-Sikh riots which broke out after the assassination of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. Appearing for Tytler, his lawyers said that the application does not give any reason to conduct the polygraph test. Also it is a grave ‘misuse of law’ and has been done with ‘malafide intention’.

While Tytler was not present in the court, arms dealer Abhishek Verma reached late. Verma, who was also issued a notice to appear at the court to give his consent on the lie detection test, said he was ready to cooperate in the investigation and will file a reply in a week’s time in this regard. Maninder Singh, Verma’s lawyer asked the need for a polygraph test as his client was ready to record his statement under section 164 of IPC which provides for recording the witnesses’ statement before the Magistrate.

The Court fixed the matter for further arguments on the application moved by the CBI on February 23. Tytler and Verma were issued a notice on February 8 to take their consent for a lie detector test in connection to the death of three Sikhs who died in the Pulbangash area during the anti-Sikh riots. The latest closure report filed by the CBI in the court in December 2015, cited there was a 'lack of evidence'. This report was challenged and the court directed the probe agency.