Kumaraswamy Accuses Bengaluru Police Commissioner of Misleading Public on Sting Operation
HD Kumaraswamy claims Bengalurus police chief misled the public regarding a sting operation linked to former CM Siddaramaiah.
Bengaluru, November 2 (Daily Kiran) : Central Heavy Industries and Steel Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has accused Bengaluru’s Police Commissioner, S. Kumar Singh, of misleading the public about the investigation into an alleged sting operation involving former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking at the JD(S) headquarters on November 2, Kumaraswamy expressed concern over selective information being released to the media.
The controversy escalated after Commissioner Singh revealed that evidence suggested a mobile phone linked to the sting operation was exchanged at Kumaraswamy’s residence. Kumaraswamy questioned the urgency of Singh’s press conference, especially given that it occurred on a holiday.
He stated, “Why did the police commissioner feel the need to hold a press conference so quickly? He shared numerous details with the media, particularly mentioning my residence in Delhi. The individual being questioned by the CCB reportedly handed that mobile phone to someone managing our social media efforts. The commissioner indicated that call detail records (CDR) show this person was near my residence.”
Kumaraswamy criticized the police’s investigative methods, urging them to conduct a fair inquiry rather than create confusion among the public. He posed further questions regarding the involvement of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his brother, D.K. Suresh, in a separate video controversy linked to the Pranjal Revanna case.
He remarked, “If the CDR indicates that this person was near my residence, the police should answer another question. In a separate case against Pranjal Revanna, Karthik allegedly produced videos with Shivakumar and Suresh. These videos were broadcasted worldwide.”
Citing dates from August 5 and 6, 2023, Kumaraswamy questioned Karthik’s whereabouts during that period and demanded accountability from the investigation officials. “Why are officers not taking action? Why is CM Shivakumar excluded from the investigation? If my name can be mentioned based on CDR, then the roles of others should also be examined,” he added.
Kumaraswamy dismissed claims of a raid by the CCB on a Kannada news channel and its owner, suggesting it was an attempt to convey that action was being taken due to his name surfacing in the investigation.
Responding to allegations from State Home Minister Priyank Kharge, who accused him of pressuring Prime Minister Modi to use central agencies against Congress leaders, Kumaraswamy asserted his independence. “I do not need protection from the Prime Minister or the Home Minister. I can stand against the state government myself,” he stated.
He further accused Kharge of being responsible for alleged irregularities in the Karnataka Public Service Commission recruitment scandal, asserting that the state home minister’s role should also be scrutinized. Kumaraswamy emphasized the need for accountability in both the sting operation and the KPSC scam.
His comments come amid rising political tensions between the Congress and JD(S) regarding the investigation, with both parties trading accusations over the methods and alleged involvement of political figures.
