H.D. Kumaraswamy Demands Probe Into Karnataka Sting Operation

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has demanded a formal investigation into a series of sting operations targeting Karnataka government officials, including five Cabinet ministers and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Speaking between October 10 and 11, Kumaraswamy questioned why Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has not initiated a police or Special Investigation Team probe despite claiming to possess evidence of the entrapment attempts.

Kumaraswamy alleged the operations were a plot to pressure Siddaramaiah into resigning to facilitate Shivakumar's ascension to the chief ministership. He further claimed that Shivakumar held a secret, hours-long meeting with a person involved in sting operations at a five-star hotel in Vasanth Nagar, Bengaluru. Kumaraswamy suggested the controversy is being used to divert public attention from irregularities in the Bengaluru-Mysuru Infrastructure Corridor (NICE) project.

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has denied the allegations of a cover-up, asserting that he previously cautioned his Cabinet colleagues about the entrapment attempts and has identified those responsible. When questioned about the alleged hotel meeting and the identity of the operator, Shivakumar declined to provide details, stating that "time will answer all those questions."

Other political figures have weighed in on the dispute. BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal alleged that Siddaramaiah was blackmailed over a personal matter to force his resignation, while Home Minister Priyank Kharge stated that an investigation would only commence once a formal complaint is filed.