The case of the Parliament security breach, where six individuals were apprehended, has gained significant attention due to the use of psychoanalysis tests conducted by the Delhi Police to determine their motives. This incident marked a notable example of how psychoanalytic techniques are applied in legal and criminal investigations.
Key Details of the Parliament Security Breach:
- The Incident: On December 13, the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament attacks, a security breach occurred in the Indian Parliament.
- Arrests and Accusations: Six individuals were arrested, including Manoranjan and Sagar Sharma (who trespassed into the Lok Sabha), Amol Shinde and Neelam Azad (who used smoke canisters outside Parliament), Lalit Jha (alleged mastermind), and Mahesh Kumawat (who allegedly assisted Jha).
- Motive Behind the Act: The accused stated their intent was to draw attention to issues in Manipur, unemployment, and farmers’ issues.
- Psychoanalysis Tests: Conducted to ascertain the psychology, habits, routines, and behavior of the accused, and understand the reasons behind their criminal actions.
Psychoanalysis: Concept and Application
- Origins: Developed by Sigmund Freud, psychoanalysis began as a therapeutic approach for treating unexplained psychological symptoms.
- Key Concepts:
- The Unconscious: Central to psychoanalytic theory, it’s believed to contain memories and impulses inaccessible to conscious awareness due to their threatening nature.
- Id, Ego, and Superego: Freud’s model of the psyche includes these three parts, representing instinctual drives, rational thinking, and internalized norms, respectively.
- Defense Mechanisms: Processes like repression, projection, and rationalization help individuals avoid emotional pain by keeping certain thoughts and feelings out of conscious awareness.
- Transference and Countertransference: These involve clients projecting past relational templates onto therapists and vice versa, offering insights into behavior.
- Therapeutic Techniques: Include dream interpretation, free association, and bringing unconscious drives into awareness to understand self-defeating behaviors.
The Use of Psychoanalysis in Criminal Investigations:
In criminal investigations, psychoanalysis is used to delve into the psychological profiles of suspects. This involves understanding their deep-seated motivations, emotional states, and behavioral patterns. The tests in this case were conducted at a government institute in Rohini and involved question-answer sessions led by psychiatrists. The responses provided by the accused give insights into their mental states and the reasons for their criminal actions. Such applications of psychoanalysis in legal contexts underscore its enduring relevance in understanding human behavior and mental health.
Conclusion
The Parliament security breach case illustrates the intricate relationship between psychoanalysis and criminal investigations. It demonstrates how psychological analysis can provide critical insights into the motives and mindsets of individuals involved in criminal activities. As the case continues to unfold, it remains a poignant example of the intersection between psychology, law, and societal issues.