Kumaraswamy and Kharge Clash Over Karnataka Sting Operation

Union Minister and JD(S) State President H.D. Kumaraswamy accused Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of leaking cabinet meeting secrets to the media and using police forces to target Janata Dal (Secular) workers. Kumaraswamy demanded that authorities search the phones of the Chief Minister and his staff to uncover the source of the leaks. He further alleged that police detained a JD(S) IT wing worker in an undisclosed location, denying the individual contact with family.

Kumaraswamy challenged the state government to order a judicial inquiry led by a sitting judge into the controversy surrounding an alleged sting operation, stating he is prepared to face such an investigation. He also questioned why the state had failed to arrest private channel head Rakesh Shetty.

Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge rejected these claims, asserting that the investigation into the sting operation follows established legal protocols and cannot be dictated by political leaders. Kharge stated that if suspicion arises, Kumaraswamy himself could be summoned for questioning. He urged the Union Minister to provide any evidence to investigating authorities rather than making public statements, maintaining that arrests will only occur if sufficient grounds and evidence are found.