Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has expressed his doubts regarding the Bengaluru police investigation into an alleged sting operation aimed at former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Kumaraswamy questioned the rationale behind the police’s search of his staff member’s residence and the seizure of his wife’s bank passbook.

He accused the Karnataka government of conducting a biased investigation, neglecting to address the involvement of those who allegedly orchestrated the sting. During a press interaction, Kumaraswamy highlighted the unusual nature of the police’s actions, particularly the search of Mohan Gowda’s home and the confiscation of personal items.

He queried the relevance of Gowda’s wife’s passbook to the investigation, stating, “How is this police behaving?” This development follows a statement from Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh, who revealed that the mobile phone purportedly used in the sting operation was acquired in Delhi and given to an individual named Prajwal Prasad at Kumaraswamy’s official residence in the capital.

Details of the Alleged Sting Operation Emerge

Kumaraswamy’s allegations come amid ongoing investigations into the matter. According to the Bengaluru police, a statement from Ritesh Pandey, one of the accused, indicated that the mobile phone was handed over based on instructions from Prajwal Prasad. Pandey, who was arrested on October 24 for allegedly uploading a video of the sting operation on social media, was the first individual taken into custody in connection with the case.

Commissioner Singh noted that the phone was purchased from a shop in Karol Bagh and subsequently delivered to Prasad at Kumaraswamy’s residence. The investigation has revealed that two videos featuring serious allegations against Siddaramaiah were uploaded to YouTube, reportedly in September.

Following the video’s circulation, Siddaramaiah sought legal recourse and secured an injunction to prevent media coverage of the clips. In response to the allegations, Siddaramaiah has filed a police complaint requesting an investigation into the matter. Multiple police teams are currently examining various elements related to the alleged sting operation.

Kumaraswamy Criticises Govt’s Approach

Kumaraswamy has accused the Karnataka government of weaponising state machinery against him. He stated that members of his social media team, Chandan and Mohan Gowda, are being summoned for questioning on a daily basis, raising concerns about the nature of the investigation. He remarked, “What kind of investigation are you conducting? You make them sit from morning till evening and then tell them to come back the next day.”

He also directed a question at Siddaramaiah, asking why he sought a stay order on the investigation. Kumaraswamy reiterated his previous statements regarding the release of an old voice recording, asserting that he had only requested transparency. He challenged Siddaramaiah’s earlier claims about the integrity of the police force, questioning how those same officers are now being utilised against him.

Last week, Bengaluru City Police indicated that the allegations of sexual misconduct featured in the viral sting video were part of a fabricated narrative. Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has stated that the investigation is progressing, with technical evidence and significant leads emerging. He assured that strict legal action would be taken against anyone found culpable, regardless of their status.

Kharge emphasised that important aspects have come to light through the technical examination of the evidence, and the investigation remains ongoing. He confirmed that further details would be revealed as the inquiry advances, reiterating the commitment to hold accountable those involved in the alleged operation.

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