In a fast-developing political and cyber investigation in Karnataka, the Bengaluru police have taken five individuals into custody, including two minors and a Janata Dal (Secular) worker, in connection with the circulation of two controversial sting operation video clips targeting senior leader Siddaramaiah. Cyber crime investigators tracked down the suspects by zeroing in on digital footprints and IP addresses used to upload and amplify the contentious video files across social media platforms. Following extensive questioning at the police station, investigators released three of the detained individuals while continuing their probe into the origin and transmission networks behind the viral material.
Home Minister Priyank Kharge Rejects CBI Inquiry as Political War of Words Escalates
The police crackdown has triggered a high-voltage confrontation between the state ruling dispensation and opposition leaders across Karnataka:
No Need for CBI Intervention: State Home Minister Priyank Kharge formally dismissed opposition calls demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry, asserting that the state police apparatus is entirely equipped and competent to handle the case, describing the viral video as an orchestrated smear campaign intended to defame Siddaramaiah.
Kumaraswamy Alleges Political Vendetta: Union Minister and JDS leader H.D. Kumaraswamy hit out at the Congress administration, accusing state authorities of targeting JDS workers and social media team members rather than going after the real perpetrators behind the sting operation.
Allegations of Police Harassment: Kumaraswamy alleged that law enforcement officers visited the residence of another JDS digital team member, Mohan, and caused distress to his family under the guise of an ongoing inquiry.
Anatomy of the Controversy: Kumaraswamy’s Explosive Claims and Delhi Trip Allegations
The entire confrontation stems from sensational allegations raised by the JDS leadership regarding internal political maneuvers:
Sting Used as Political Leverage: Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy alleged that the controversial sting operation was weaponized specifically to unseat Siddaramaiah from power, pointing fingers toward current Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar.
The Delhi Summons Allegation: According to Kumaraswamy’s claims, Siddaramaiah was summoned to New Delhi on the pretext of holding high-level discussions over cabinet expansion, only to face pressure to resign after being shown compromising sting video tapes and related dossiers.
‘Fabricated Propaganda to Tarnish Image’: Siddaramaiah and Son Demand Strict Action
Refuting the viral footage completely, Siddaramaiah and his family have initiated formal legal recourse against those amplifying the clips:
Official Complaint Lodged: Siddaramaiah strongly denied any association with the content of the videos, labeling them malicious online propaganda and lodging a formal complaint directly with the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner seeking a comprehensive investigation.
Yatindra Siddaramaiah Slams Fake Videos: Karnataka Minister and Siddaramaiah’s son, Dr. Yatindra Siddaramaiah, denounced the viral clips as entirely fabricated, describing the controversy as a calculated plot to destroy his father’s reputation and demanding strict legal consequences for everyone involved in circulating the media.