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Political pressure behind narco expert's sacking

Deepa Balakrishnan , CNN-IBN
Posted on Feb 27, 2009 at 00:38 | Updated Feb 27, 2009 at 00:53

Bangalore: India's well-known narco analysis expert and assistant director of the Forensic Science Laboratory in Bangalore Dr S Malini was sacked on Wednesday by the Karnataka Government and on Thursday she alleged that she was being victimised.

Dr Malini has been sacked over allegations that she forged her age certificate during appointment.

The Karnataka government dismissed Dr Malini following pressure from the Congress-led opposition.

"The Opposition demanded that because it is probation period so all those niceties should not be extended. So we have terminated the service," said Dr VS Acharya.

Dr Malini has, however, denied that she forged her age certificate pointing out that her parents weren't even married in 1960, the year mentioned in the charges. She said that she has been sacked because of a political conspiracy

"I told you it is deep-rooted conspiracy. They might have had a fear that they are involved in it. That is why they might be saying that because so many convictions took," said Dr Malini

Those who've known her work over the last 10 years, too, speak of a possible political conspiracy.

After all Dr Malini conducted narco analysis on the accused in several high profile cases including the Malegaon and Hyderabad blasts cases. She also conducted narco analysis in the Arushi and Sister Abhaya murder cases, and the Telgi stamp paper scam.

"I feel it is a politically motivated decision. It is unfortunate," said Dr BM Mohan.

The Congress, however, is not satisfied with just her dismissal and is demanding more.

"Even the reports that were given by this lady have to be re-examined. Why? This lady has committed a fraud," claimed Opposition leader VS Ugrappa.

The Bangalore FSL has the rare distinction of a 95 per cent success rate in investigations.

And now the truth seekers are losing their jobs just for speaking the truth.

But the bigger question is who is the ultimate loser? The police forces of many states who relied on the lab for data and of course the common man.

More on: Dr S Malini, Forensics, Congress, karnataka