Aaftab’s polygraph test conducted

During the test, FSL officials said that psychologists asked Poonawala more than 50 questions that were prepared in view of the queries given by the investigating team, mostly involving around Walkar’s alleged murder

A panel of psychologists on Tuesday night carried out a polygraph test on Aaftab Poonawala, accused of murdering his girlfriend Shraddha Walkar, according to forensic science laboratory (FSL) officials aware of the matter.

Aftab Poonawalla at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) office, in New Delhi on Tuesday. (ANI)

Poonawala, 28, allegedly strangled Walkar, 27, at their rented accommodation in south Delhi’s Chhattarpur Pahadi on May 18, chopped up her body into 35 pieces, and dumped the body parts in forested areas in the Capital.

A polygraph test on Poonawala was conducted at the FSL headquarters in Rohini, hours after the Delhi Police secured permission for it from a Delhi court, and the suspect gave his consent for the test. FSL officials said that before going through with the test, he underwent “pre-medical and scientific sessions”, and experts gave a go-ahead only after he was found medically fit and fine.

To be sure, the result of a polygraph tests is not considered a “confession”, and is not admissible in the court of law. The tests are done only to assist investigators in their investigation and get leads from the suspect, and the test is not scientifically proven to have a complete success rate.

As the procedure continued till late on Tuesday night, it was not immediately known if Poonawala’s polygraph test yielded any results that may help investigators in connection with the alleged crime.

Despite repeated attempts, FSL director Deepa Verma and deputy commissioner of police (south) Chandan Chowdhary were not available for comment.

Explaining the procedure, a forensic expert from the FSL said that during the polygraph test, psychological responses such as the heartbeat and breathing pattern of the suspect is monitored and measured on a machine. Also, variables such as blood pressure, pulse and blood flow are measured using equipment like sensitive electrodes and cardio-cuffs that are attached to the suspect’s body.

“The graph on the machine will be normal when the person is giving truthful answers. If the graph hits the peak on the monitor, it is considered that the person is lying or misleading. Unlike the narco test that usually helps us get exact answers to questions asked, the polygraph test only determines if the person is lying or telling the truth. If the person gives any vague or incorrect answers, questions around the same topic are rephrased and asked to get the desired answer,” the expert said.