CBI may seek SC nod to conduct lie detector test on Chidambaram

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is likely to plead in the Supreme Court expressing desire to conduct a lie-detection test on senior Congress leader and former Union minister P Chidambaram. Sources in the CBI said on condition of anonymity that the investigative agency is unhappy with the replies given by P Chidambaram so far.

Chidambaram is in CBI custody since August 21 in the INX Media case. He is accused of misusing his position as finance minister to award clearances in favour of INX Media.

Lie-detection test, also known as a polygraph test, is basically, an investigative method which measures and records several physiological indicators of a person such as blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration and breathing rhythms while a suspect is asked a series of questions.

The CBI has told the Supreme Court that P Chidambaram has been giving vague answers to its questions on payments and email communications. The sources said that CBI says Chidambaram has been giving replies like ‘I don’t remember, I don’t know’.

Meanwhile, Chidambaram has rubbished these charges and has told the Supreme Court that he has given proper replies of all questions. He reportedly said the CBI is unhappy because it wants only certain kinds of answers from him.

The CBI also wants to quiz Chidambaram by making him sit face-to-face with Indrani Mukerjea, another accused in the INX Media case who has now turned an approver.