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Legal aid lawyers are appointed for defendants who cannot afford a lawyer or whose circumstances are unusual. (Photo/News 18)
Earlier this week, the Sirda District Court gave preliminary approval to a lie detector test for Ray as investigative agencies look to verify his statements – a key component of the investigation that has attracted national attention.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) may have obtained initial permission to conduct a polygraph test on a man accused of raping and murdering a 31-year-old doctor inside a Kolkata hospital, but now faces a unique situation: stalling the process.
Because no lawyer was initially prepared to represent Sanjoy Ray, a 33-year-old citizen volunteer who had easy access to the bowels of the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital, where a The body of the trainee doctor according to CBI sources. The crime sparked massive protests across the country and sparked intense political debate.
Earlier this week, the Sirda District Court gave preliminary approval to a lie detector test for Ray as investigative agencies look to verify his statements – a key component of the investigation that has attracted national attention.
A polygraph test, also known as a lie detector test, is a scientific method used to measure a person's physiological response (heartbeat, breathing changes, sweating, blood pressure) to questions posed.
But Tuesday's polygraph test had to be postponed because a lawyer was not present. A legal aid solicitor has now been appointed to brief Roy on the physical and psychological aspects of the test. Once Roy agrees, the CBI can proceed with the testing.
Agency sources told News18 the agency is also vigilant about the security situation, with public anger sweeping the streets and showing no signs of abating. They added that they were looking for possible solutions. The CBI is considering strict security measures when Roy appears in court.
Under the Constitution, everyone has the right to legal aid, regardless of the seriousness of the alleged crime. Legal aid lawyers are appointed for defendants who cannot afford a lawyer or whose circumstances are unusual.
The Kolkata answer shocked the country, brought hospital operations under scrutiny, led to the ouster of the principal and triggered massive protests by medical students and civil society. Facing angry demonstrations, some leaders of the ruling Trinamool Congress demanded an update from the CBI while stressing that it was the state police who arrested Ray before the High Court handed over the investigation to the central agency. The Supreme Court had asked the CBI to provide a status report on August 22.
