Karnataka Lokayukta corruption case: FSL probes voice samples

BENGALURU: The Special Investigation Team officials have reportedly decided to send the voice samples of the accused in the Lokayukta corruption case for a test at the Forensic Science Laboratories (FSL) in Madivala.

Sources in the SIT said that the investigators had managed to get the audio clip of the telephonic conversation between some of the accused. “We are building strong evidence to prove the role of each accused in the case. Hence, the voice samples of the accused will be sent for test to the FSL, to get scientific report that the voice of the people speaking in the telephonic conversation and the voice of the accused are one and the same. If the FSL gives report that both the voices are the same, then it will act as clinching evidence against the accused in the court,” an official said.

The SIT officials during their investigations had recovered some of the audio clips from accused Ashok Kumar’s phone. The conversation was reportedly between Ashok and Lokayukta Joint Commissioner (PRO) Syed Riyaz. Though Ashok had revealed several things about the syndicate running the racket and had confessed about his involvement, Riyaz was reportedly not cooperating with the interrogators, claiming he had no involvement in the extortion case. He had also alleged in the court that the SIT officials were harassing him.

It is learnt that the officials will send the audio clip containing the conversation between Riyaz and Ashok. Similarly, they have also decided to send the voice samples of other accused in the case. “We will request the FSL experts to give the report as early as possible, as it’s an important case. We would get the report within a few weeks after we send the voice samples,” the official added.

Bail hearing today

The Lokayukta Special Court will hear the bail petitions filed by Syed Riyaz, Ashok Kumar, M.B. Srinivasa Gowda and Shankare Gowda on Friday.