Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature Profiling (BEOSP)

2020 NOV 27

Preliminary   > Science and Technology   >   Miscellaneous   >   Security forces and Police

Why in news?

  • The accused in Hathras rape case in Uttar Pradesh will undergo brain fingerprinting.

What is BEOSP test?

  • Brain Electrical Oscillation Signature Profiling (BEOSP) also known as brain fingerprinting is a neuro psychological method of interrogation in which the accused’s participation in the crime is investigated by studying their brain’s response.
  • The BEOSP test is carried out via a process known as electroencephalogram, conducted to study the electrical behaviour of the human brain.
  • Under this test, the consent of the accused is first taken and they are then made to wear caps with dozens of electrodes attached to them.
  • The accused are then shown visuals or played audio clips related to the crime to check if there is any triggering of neurons in their brains which then generate brainwaves.
  • The test results are then studied to determine the participation of the accused in a crime.

BEOSP test vs  polygraph?

  • The BEOSP procedure does not involve a question answer session with the accused and is rather a neuro psychological study of their brain.
  • In a polygraph test, the accused person’s physiological indicators are taken into account which include blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration and skin conductivity.
  • However experts say that while a person might be able to control their pulse rate and BP even in times of distress, a BEOSP test offers a much more credible result.

Can these tests be admitted as evidence?

  • Not as a standalone.
  • In 2010, the Supreme Court passed a judgment in the Selvi versus State of Karnataka case where the bench observed that narco analysis, polygraph and brain mapping tests cannot be forced upon any individual without their consent and the test results cannot be admitted solely as evidence.
  • However any information or material discovered during the tests can be made part of the evidence.

PRELIMS QUESTION

National Forensic Sciences University is located in
(a)Rajasthan
(b)Gujarat
(c)Haryana
(d)Uttar Pradesh

Answer to prelims question