Bengaluru, (DHNS): Union Chemicals and Fertilisers Minister Ananth Kumar on Monday expressed surprise at the speed with which Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) submitted a report confirming his voice and that of BJP state president B S Yeddyurappa in a video/audio file, in which they were heard discussing ‘kickback’ paid to the party central leadership.

Addressing a press conference in Bengaluru, Kumar pointed out that it took the FSL only 15 days to come out with the report. “The FSL took one year to come out with its report on DySP M K Ganapathi’s death, and is yet to come out with its report on the telephonic conversation between DySP Anupama Shenoy and former minister Parameshwar Naik, in which the latter spoke arrogantly and threatened the police officer,” Kumar said.

The senior BJP leader said the case was being investigated on a fast-track mode just because they are political opponents. “When it comes to the BJP, there is fast-track investigation. When it comes to the Congress leaders, there is fast- track closure,” he said.

C M Dhananjaya, chairman of KPCC’s legal cell, had filed a complaint in February over the conversation about the payment made to the BJP central leadership. The cybercrime police had sent the video file to the FSL.

Kumar said the charges made are baseless and the truth will come out if the entire conversation is played.

Earlier in the day, speaking to reporters, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said the state government had not played any role in the case. “It’s for the police to decide on its next step of action,” he said.