Karnataka minister alleges Kumaraswamy masterminded sting operation against Siddaramaiah
Minister Krishna Byre Gowda claimed the operation was executed from the Union Minister's Delhi residence to damage the former Chief Minister's credibility.
Karnataka Minister Krishna Byre Gowda on Monday accused Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy of masterminding an alleged sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. According to reports by India Today and The Economic Times, Gowda alleged that Kumaraswamy's social media team was involved and his official residence in New Delhi was used to execute the plan.
The Minister for Greater Bengaluru Development and Parliamentary Affairs claimed that funds were transferred for the operation. He alleged the move aimed to damage Siddaramaiah's credibility and shift blame onto the incumbent Chief Minister.
The allegations follow a Bengaluru Police Central Crime Branch (CCB) search of the residence and office of Kannada news channel head Rakesh Shetty. Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh stated that a mobile phone allegedly used to upload the videos was purchased in New Delhi and delivered to Prajwal Prasad at Kumaraswamy's official residence.
Police have questioned Shetty and expelled Congress leader Kripa Alva, who are both accused of being behind the sting videos. Two videos containing allegations against Siddaramaiah were uploaded on YouTube in September.
The Police Commissioner said arrested accused Ritesh Pandey told investigators that the phone was handed over to Prasad on Prasad's instructions. Pandey was arrested on October 24 and brought to Bengaluru for questioning.
Gowda described the episode as a "terrible betrayal of the public" and a "masterstroke of political machination." He questioned if political leaders were using their positions for political vendettas instead of public service.