Haveliwala positive for drugs: cops

The samples were tested at the Kalina Forensic Science Laboratory. “The blood and urine samples have tested positive for cannabis and morphine. We will initiate proceedings against her under the NDPS Act and plan to move for her custody as early as tomorrow,” Addl CP (South) R K Padmanabhan said.

The blood results showed an alcohol content of 169 mg/100 ml,he said. This was less than the 457/100 shown on a breathalyser immediately after the accident,a result announced by DCP (Traffic,City) Nandkumar Chougule.

Padmanabhan said the disparity would not affect the case. “Be it 457 mg or 169 mg,the alcohol level in her blood is way beyond the permissible limit. Besides,she has been booked for rash and negligent driving that claimed two lives along with culpable homicide.”

JCP (Law and Order) Himanshu Roy agreed: “It does not make a difference to our case,as long as the level is above 30mg. The breath analyser tests are not completely accurate,and blood samples are always sent for confirmation from the forensic lab anyway.”

A traffic police official did not agree: “The kits are tested and certified by government laboratories regularly and are quite accurate. On rare occasions,even when there is a discrepancy,the error is only to an extent of 1-3 per cent.” Results depend on the time a sample is taken,he said. “Breath analysing tests are usually administered right after arrest whereas the blood might be taken and sent for tests later.”

JCP (Traffic) Sanjay Barve said he could not comment on the discrepancy as the report has not reached his department. The case is with the LT Marg police station,he said. “As such,we are not privy to the details of the forensic report.”