Pune court rejects plea for narco test on army man

Judicial magistrate (first class) RL Wankhade on Wednesday rejected permission to carry scientific test on Army jawan Brijeshkumar Singh.

The magistrate's order stated, “Even after Singh’s lawyer sought for production warrant before the court from jail on Wednesday, he remains absent. On February 21, Singh was produced before the court and the magistrate inquired him about his consent for the scientific test. He replied that he shall consult with his lawyer. However, Singh did not show any consent even after being asked by the magistrate to approve the scientific test."

Application filed by the crime branch on February 17 sought that, “Singh (26) deployed in service with Signal Regiment was arrested on February 7, for charges of handing sensitive documents and photos of Southern Command headquarters to his accomplice Vishambar Agarwal (24). Investigations revealed that Singh is having a nexus with ISI organisation in Pakistan. Prior to his posting to Pune, he was posted in the sensitive area of Leh and police suspect that he had earlier parted information to ISI. However, Singh is not cooperating in investigation and misleading the facts. That is why we have asked for permission to conduct a narco-test."

On Wednesday, Singh’s lawyers Narayan Pandit and Sagar Kothari opposed the scientific test. Singh’s parents and a well-wisher were present in the court.