Court orders lie-detector test on arms dealer

New Delhi, Aug 2 (IANS) A court here on Wednesday directed the CBI to conduct a lie- detector test on arms dealer Abhishek Verma, a witness in a 1984 anti-Sikhs riot case allegedly involving Congress leader Jagdish Tytler.

Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Shivali Sharma's order to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) came after Verma told the court that he is ready for the polygraphy if he is provided adequate security.

The court, in the last hearing, had directed the Delhi Police to provide round-the-clock security to Verma till a polygraphy is conducted. Verma had told the court that he apprehended serious threat to his life as well as that of his wife and mother.

On Wednesday, the CBI told the court that the test can be conducted at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) at Rohini.

The court directed the CBI to inform Verma three days before conducting the test and also allow his counsel to remain present during the process.

The court asked the central agency to submit a test report, and listed the matter for September 12.

The court was hearing a CBI plea for permission to conduct the lie-detector tests on Verma as well as Tytler. The Congress leader is accused of leading a mob in Pul Bangash area in 1984 that led to the killing of three Sikhs.

Tytler has refused to undergo the lie-detector test.

The agency's move came after Verma's accusation that Tytler influenced witness Surender Singh through money and a promise to send his son Narender Singh to Canada.

The CBI had earlier given a clean chit to Tytler in the case but reopened investigation following a December 4, 2015, court order in the wake of Verma's allegation.