Kumaraswamy Protests Outside Bengaluru Police Commissioners Office Over Sting Operation
HD Kumaraswamy demands a fair investigation into a controversial sting operation during a protest outside the Bengaluru Police Commissioners office.
Bengaluru, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : Former Karnataka Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy staged a protest outside the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office on October 15, demanding a thorough investigation into a controversial sting operation. Joined by leaders from the Janata Dal (Secular), Kumaraswamy sat on the steps of the commissioner’s office, challenging the state government to initiate the inquiry from him.
During the protest, Kumaraswamy met with Police Commissioner S. Kumar Singh for about 30 minutes. Speaking to the media, he expressed concern over Home Minister Priyank Kharge’s announcement that an investigation would target him and his party workers.
Kumaraswamy stated, “Today, the Home Minister claims there will be an investigation against me and my workers. We are ready to sit here for two days if necessary. If they believe they have information, let them investigate.” He accused the government of treating those directly involved in the sting operation leniently while suspecting him.
He questioned the investigation’s integrity, asserting, “They know who orchestrated this and are treating those directly involved like VIPs, while they want to investigate me. Let them start the inquiry with me and find out who else is involved.”
Kumaraswamy and his party leaders decided to continue their protest, demanding that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge ensure a fair investigation. He warned, “We have made our decision. We are telling Chief Minister Shivakumar and Home Minister Kharge that we don’t know how many families you will ruin. Do what you want, but we will sit here and demand an investigation.”
This protest comes amid rising political tensions in Karnataka surrounding the alleged sting operation. Earlier, Kumaraswamy challenged Shivakumar and Kharge to arrest him and accused them of misusing police and governmental power to target him.
In a press conference earlier that day, he called for the investigation to be overseen by a retired judge, insisting that the state government conduct a fair inquiry. He emphasized, “There is no need for a CBI investigation; it should be under the supervision of a sitting judge.”
Kumaraswamy added, “Shivakumar and Priyank Kharge, if you have the courage, conduct the investigation with a retired judge. I speak boldly; I am not a coward like you. Do you think I will be afraid? You’ve said if there is any suspicion, I will be detained. Dare to touch me, and a movement will begin. I will see how many you can touch.”
He affirmed that if any of his party workers committed wrongdoing, they would fully cooperate with the investigation. Kumaraswamy also stated he would willingly go to the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office to request his own arrest if evidence against him existed.
He questioned their integrity, stating, “If mistakes were made, I would support you. I will step forward, but you cannot misuse your power and police for political games. You are not worthy of respect. Do you have any conscience?”
Apologizing for his language, Kumaraswamy noted he had never spoken at such a level during a press conference before, but emphasized that the state’s interests were at stake.
Tensions continue to escalate in Karnataka as the political fallout from the alleged sting operation unfolds.
