CBI accuses FSL of tampering with CD in Sister Abhaya Case

Kochi, Sep 1 (UNI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) today accused, before the Kerala High Court, the Forensic Science Laboratory, Bangalore of tampering with the CD, which documented the narco-analysis tests conducted on suspects in connection with the Sister Abhaya Murder Case.

CBI Counsel M V S Namboodiri also demanded an investigation into the role of Assistant Director of FSL S Malini, in the incident.

In the report filed by investigating officer A K Aggarwal, the CBI had maintained the stand that it had received only one CD from FSL against the lab's claim that it had sent three CDs to the investigating agency.

The CD relates to the narco-analysis tests conducted on Father Jose Puthrikae, Father Thomas Kottur and Sister Sephy last year.

The report further said the properties of three files in the CD showed they were created or last modified on October 22 at 0935 hrs, October 17 at 0728 hrs and October 23 at 0631 hrs.

The CBI Counsel further submitted that this showed a manipulation was done on the personal computer of Dr Malini and the files of 254 MB, 239 MB and 100 MB adding to 593 MB, could be written in a CD. The contention of the lab was otherwise false, the counsel added.

The CBI had also maintained that the CD received from the lab had been produced before the court and the covering letter of Dr Malini revealed the fact that there was only one CD.

Justice V Ramkumar of Kerala High Court reserved the petition filed by Sister Abhaya's father complaining of the inadequacy in the CBI investigation, for orders.

It may be recalled that Sister Abhaya's body was found in the well of St Pius Convent at Kottayam in 1992.

UNI XR MA BDP HT1542