Kumaraswamy Accused of Masterminding Sting Operation Against Siddaramaiah

Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda has accused Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy of masterminding an alleged sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, claiming that Kumaraswamy’s social media team, official residence in Delhi and funds were used to carry out the operation.

Gowda’s allegations came as Bengaluru Police intensified their investigation into the videos, which reportedly contained serious allegations against Siddaramaiah. The minister claimed the operation was designed to damage the former chief minister’s credibility while shifting responsibility for the controversy onto the incumbent Chief Minister.

Reacting to the developments, Gowda described the alleged operation as a calculated political move and accused those involved of attempting to carry out character assassination while blaming others.

“Masterstroke of political machination. Sometimes real life is more bizarre than fiction,” Gowda said.

CCB Searches Kannada News Channel Head’s Residence and Office

The minister’s remarks followed searches by the Bengaluru Police’s Central Crime Branch (CCB) at the residence and office of Rakesh Shetty, head of a Kannada news channel. The searches were conducted as part of the investigation into the alleged sting operation.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh had said that a mobile phone allegedly used to upload the videos on social media was purchased in New Delhi and delivered to Prajwal Prasad at Kumaraswamy’s official residence in the national capital.

According to the police commissioner’s account, arrested accused Ritesh Pandey told investigators that the phone had been handed over to Prasad on the latter’s instructions. Pandey, who is based in Delhi, was arrested on October 24 and brought to Bengaluru for questioning.

The alleged connection between the phone, Prasad and Kumaraswamy’s official residence has become a key part of the investigation. However, the claims about Kumaraswamy’s role in masterminding the operation remain allegations made by Gowda.

Police Question Rakesh Shetty and Kripa Alva

Police have already questioned Kannada news channel head Rakesh Shetty and expelled Congress leader Kripa Alva, both of whom have been accused of being behind the sting videos.

Two videos containing serious allegations against Siddaramaiah were reportedly uploaded on YouTube in September. Following their publication, the former chief minister approached a court and obtained an injunction restraining the media from reporting on the videos.

Siddaramaiah also filed a police complaint seeking an investigation into the matter, leading to the ongoing probe into the alleged operation and the people suspected of being involved.

Krishna Byre Gowda Questions Political Motives Behind Alleged Operation

Gowda alleged that the operation had two political objectives: undermining Siddaramaiah’s public credibility and creating an opportunity to blame the incumbent Chief Minister for the controversy.

He also questioned why political leaders would use their positions and resources for activities of this nature instead of focusing on public service.

“Is this the reason people have put us here? Is this why they have given us power and position?” he asked.

Describing the alleged conduct as a reflection of hatred and intolerance towards political opponents, Gowda called the episode a “terrible betrayal of the public”. He said such activities were damaging the political system.

The investigation is continuing, with police examining the alleged use of the mobile phone, its delivery in Delhi and the roles of the people questioned in connection with the videos. The allegations against Kumaraswamy have not been established by the information provided, and his alleged involvement should be distinguished from the police’s investigation into the case.