On Wednesday in Bengaluru, Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge announced that the state police will investigate the alleged sting operation aimed at former chief minister Siddaramaiah, and he rejected Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy’s call for a CBI probe.
Kharge told reporters that the Karnataka police are fully equipped to manage the case, describing the episode as a concerted effort to damage Siddaramaiah’s reputation. He questioned the necessity of central involvement, asking, “Why is a CBI inquiry needed in this case? What is the cause of action?” and noted that the central agency is still pending on two or three matters already assigned to it.
Siddaramaiah secured an interim injunction on Tuesday from a Bengaluru court, preventing the circulation of a video he claims is defamatory, and he has asked for an impartial police inquiry. Kharge confirmed that a formal complaint has been lodged and assured that the investigation will expose those responsible, while refusing to disclose any details of the probe.
The home minister also criticised Kumaraswamy for alleging that the sting was linked to chief minister D K Shivakumar and Siddaramaiah’s alleged attempt to target former prime minister H D Deve Gowda’s family. Calling the remarks unbecoming of a union minister, Kharge said such statements were below the dignity of the office.
Referencing the controversy surrounding former Hassan MP Prajwal Revanna, who is serving a life sentence for rape, Kharge asked whether the Congress was behind the videos involving Revanna’s relatives. He asserted that the party has never pursued personal vendettas and would not engage in such actions.
Kumaraswamy, on Tuesday, demanded a CBI investigation, suggesting the sting could be a political move to unseat the current chief minister. Siddaramaiah denied any connection to the video, labeling its spread as a politically motivated character assault.
Image: Wikipedia — Priyank Kharge
📰 Source: Sahil Online