Kumaraswamy Launches Scathing Attack on Bengaluru Police Commissioner Amid Sting Operation Controversy

Bengaluru, November 1 (Daily Kiran) : H.D. Kumaraswamy, the Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, has sharply criticized Bengaluru Police Commissioner S. Kumar Singh and the Karnataka government. His remarks came after the police chief mentioned a connection to Kumaraswamy’s residence during the investigation of a sting operation involving former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

In a heated response, Kumaraswamy asserted that he could not be harmed and promised to make several revelations during a press conference on Monday, November 2. Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he stated, “The administrative machinery and officials of this government cannot easily confront me or touch me.”

Directly targeting Commissioner Singh, Kumaraswamy questioned his authority, stating, “Who is this commissioner? Is he a police commissioner or just a head clerk? He is acting like a clerk. To save his position, he is making irresponsible statements at someone else’s behest. I know very well what he is doing to retain his post.”

Responding to IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge’s comment that “this is just the trailer; the full film is yet to come,” Kumaraswamy emphasized that he does not need to learn filmmaking from others, as he is a producer himself. “I am a film producer by profession. I do not need to learn film-making from them. They are now trying to make a film. I will hold a press conference at 11 AM on Monday and reveal the real picture,” he declared.

He also promised to present documentary evidence that would clarify the breadth of the sting operation investigation, revealing who the state government is protecting and the direction of the inquiry.

Kumaraswamy referenced Siddaramaiah’s recent court stay order regarding the case and his son Yathindra Siddaramaiah’s claim that the sting operation was aimed at blackmailing and defaming them. He reassured his supporters and party workers that there was no reason to panic.

The situation escalated when Commissioner Singh announced that investigators had found evidence suggesting a mobile phone exchange linked to Kumaraswamy’s residence in connection with the alleged sting operation. Singh described this as a significant development, mentioning that a person named Ritesh Pandey had stayed at Kumaraswamy’s address and uploaded a video at the request of Prajwal Prasad.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated that technical evidence and crucial documents had emerged during the investigation. He warned that legal action would be taken against anyone found involved, regardless of their influence or position.

Speaking to the media in Kalaburagi, Kharge noted that the investigation was ongoing and more significant revelations would surface as it progressed. He reminded that Kumaraswamy had surrounded the police commissioner’s office and marched to the Director General of Police’s office after his name surfaced in the inquiry.

Kharge added that the investigation is scrutinizing the origins of the case and those who orchestrated it. He highlighted that the FIR specifically mentions the campaign associated with this case and the individuals behind it.

He also raised concerns about individuals close to Kumaraswamy not coming forward for questioning, questioning why Kumaraswamy had not urged them to cooperate with the investigation.