Bangalore: Prime accused in the multi-crore fake stamp paper scam Abdul Karim Telgi said today (Dec 6, 2003) he is ready to face lie detector and voice recording tests, as sought by the Maharashtra special investigation team (SIT).

"I am ready," Telgi's counsel M M Nanaiah quoted him as saying, after the second fast track court hearing his case today posted the next hearing for December 17.

"He (Telgi) says, nothing is going to happen…it is all to show off…He is ready to let the matter be investigated thoroughly," Nanaiah told reporters.

"I am innocent in this regard," Nanaiah said, quoting Telgi.

He said Telgi was for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the case, adding, "Telgi said, let them (CBI) make a thorough investigation. Perhaps the truth will come out."

According to him (Telgi), Nanaiah said, there was some rivalry within the police department.

Stating that Telgi was not asking for a lie detector test, but had agreed after reading today's newspapers, he said Telgi had told him that he was ready for it.

"He wants to in fact meet the press and have detailed discussions with the press," Nanaiah said.

The Maharashtra SIT has pleaded in a special court in Mumbai for permission to conduct lie detector test, P300 brain finger printing and narcoanalysis on nine accused, including Telgi.

Nanaiah said Telgi's health condition was deteriorating and questioned Karnataka's move to transfer Dr Chowhan who was treating Telgi out of the Bangalore central jail.

PTI