Karnataka Home Minister Warns Kumaraswamy of Possible Interrogation in Sting Operation Case
Karnatakas Home Minister Priyank Kharge states that H.D. Kumaraswamy may face questioning in a sting operation investigation if warranted.
Bengaluru, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Karnataka’s Home Minister Priyank Kharge announced on Thursday that if any suspicion arises against H.D. Kumaraswamy, the central minister and JD(S) state president, he may be called in for questioning regarding the ongoing sting operation investigation. Kharge emphasized that the inquiry will adhere to established procedures rather than being influenced by political demands.
Responding to Kumaraswamy’s allegations of police misconduct and attempts to implicate him and JD(S) workers, Kharge stated that individuals identified during the investigation could be summoned for questioning as necessary. He remarked, “We have received a complaint, and those suspected will be called in for questioning. This could include you or anyone else. If there are doubts about Kumaraswamy, he too will be summoned.”
Kharge reiterated that the police are operating within defined regulations and that Kumaraswamy cannot dictate the investigation’s direction. He urged Kumaraswamy to provide any evidence he claims to possess regarding the case to the investigating agencies.
“Daily, he makes statements suggesting he has knowledge of various matters. Since an investigation is underway, he should share that information. We are ready to receive any evidence he provides. However, if he insists that the investigation must proceed in a specific manner, that is not feasible,” Kharge remarked.
When questioned about Kumaraswamy’s criticism of the police for calling individuals for questioning, Kharge responded, “Is this a wedding where we need to send invitations? We have received a complaint, names have emerged, and they are being summoned for questioning.”
Kharge added that Kumaraswamy is free to present his statement to the investigation officials or the court and should cooperate rather than making repeated public statements. He also questioned whether Kumaraswamy, having served as chief minister twice, is unaware of how investigations and administrative processes function.
In response to Kumaraswamy’s challenges to Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Kharge to arrest him, Kharge stated that arrests can only occur when there is sufficient basis and evidence. “How can we arrest someone? We can only do so if we have grounds and evidence. I do not need to learn from him how investigations are conducted,” he asserted.
Kharge accused Kumaraswamy of damaging his own reputation with his frequent statements and reassured that the government would not be intimidated by his language or threats. “We have been respectful in our dialogue. I have been saying for days that he is tarnishing his own image. Do you think someone will intimidate me and I will become afraid? If the RSS could not intimidate me, why should I fear you?” he questioned.
The Home Minister reiterated that the government has repeatedly urged Kumaraswamy to provide evidence for his claims instead of attacking individual leaders. He asked, “If you have any information, present it. Tell us who did this and how. Some details are gradually coming to light. You were the ones demanding the investigation. Now that it is ongoing, are you trying to suppress it?”
Kharge emphasized that the police cannot limit their investigation to a list suggested by any political leader. He affirmed that anyone whose name arises during the inquiry may be questioned as necessary.
He also raised concerns about how Kumaraswamy was informed about police activities, questioning whether he was surveilling the police commissioner’s office or the homes of investigation officials.
Respecting Kumaraswamy’s position and age, Kharge stated that the government has exercised restraint but warned that if the JD(S) leader continues personal attacks, they would respond in kind. “We have tolerated much out of respect for his position and age. If I start speaking out, he may need another open-heart surgery. It would be better for him to think carefully before he speaks,” Kharge concluded.
This exchange comes amid rising political tensions in Karnataka related to a sting operation. Kumaraswamy has called for an impartial judicial inquiry while accusing the state government of attempting to frame him. The state government maintains that the investigation is proceeding according to established protocols and that anyone suspected will be interrogated.
