KOCHI: Stating the importance of forensic science in probing terrorism cases, former Research and Analysis Wing Director Hormis Tharakan said that forensics is a legal system to ensure protection of human rights. He was speaking at the workshop on ‘Forensic science in investigation and trial’ at Government Law College here on Tuesday.According to Hormis Tharakan, forensic science protects people by ensuring their rights. Tharakan said the US had sharply reacted to 9/11 attacks. They introduced the Patriot Act which declared terrorism is an act of war. Under the act, the security agencies are empowered to detain any person for any period. The European Union also considers terrorism a crime. The two approaches have been accepted in different ways. Many are critical of the American approach especially relating to Guantanamo Bay. On the other hand, the conviction of the accused in the Madrid bombing case was widely accepted. However, the American approach is believed to be the best in the world in probing terrorism cases. India has been bearing the brunt of terrorist activities. There is the need for a debate on whether our country’s legislative response to terror has been adequate and whether human rights are being protected while combating terrorism. India has several laws to handle terrorism cases, including the Armed Force Special Powers Act 1958 and the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2008, he added.In the interactive session, Hormis Tharakan said third-degree methods of interrogation are still being used in some cases. “In some cases we have to use third degree. But there are also cases like that of Saddam Hussein’s close ally who was interrogated using softer techniques which proved more useful in the end. His submission later led to the arrest of Saddam Hussein. In several cases where a harsh approach has failed, a softer one may prove successful,” Hormis said.According to him, ‘funding of terrorism’ has been monitored properly in the state and agencies are being deployed in foreign countries to trace such cases. Security agencies also face risks and each day soldiers are risking their lives in different parts of the country, Tharakan added.Intelligence Bureau assistant director K V Thomas spoke on the questioning and investigation techniques that are used to prove crimes. Tharakan said that investigation should be conducted by protecting human rights.
Comments
0 comment