New India Cooperative Bank Scam: EOW Conducts First-Ever Polygraph Test On Main Accused Hitesh Mehta

Mumbai: In a major development in the ₹122 crore scam involving New India Cooperative Bank, the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Mumbai Police conducted a polygraph test on the main accused, Hitesh Mehta, at the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) on Tuesday.

According to sources, the test lasted for approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, during which Mehta was asked around 40 to 50 questions related to the scam. Conducted between 11 AM and 1:30 PM, the test focused on key aspects such as money transfers, the involvement of other accused, and the misuse of bank funds.

EOW officials stated that the polygraph test report is expected within three to four days. Forensic experts and psychiatrists were present during the examination to monitor the proceedings.

Speaking to The Free Press Journal (FPJ), psychiatrist Dr. Shubhangi Parkar explained the polygraph test process, emphasizing that it does not guarantee 100% accuracy. The test measures autonomic responses such as pulse rate, respiratory rate, and heart rate, which remain stable when a person speaks the truth. However, if someone is lying, sudden fluctuations in these physiological responses are observed.

Authorities are now awaiting the test results, which could provide crucial leads in the ongoing investigation. Notably, this is the first time the EOW has conducted a polygraph test as part of its probe.