He was addressing a symposium on `Detention and Custodial Interrogation: New Instruments of State Terrorism,' organised by the Society for Advancement of Economic Growth at the Indian Merchants Chamber. Singh also called for more transparency and accountability in the investigating agencies and other government agencies.

Former police commissioner of Mumbai R D Tyagi said in some cases of ``normal crime,'' like economic offences and forgery, arresting the accused wasn't necessary. Yet arrests are ``effectedfor settling scores, political or otherwise.'' In many instances, he noted, the ``media plays the role of prosecutor before the person is sentenced by court.'' But Singh said: ``Often the media doesn't get access to files due to lack of transparency and have to rely on any information they receive.'' He said apart from issues affecting national security, every other file should be accessible.