Karnataka Home Minister claims technical evidence links three people to sting video
Priyank Kharge says individuals working with Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy are involved in circulating a fake sting operation.
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said on Sunday that police have irrefutable technical evidence involving more than three people in the circulation of a fake sting video targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. According to South First, Kharge claimed these individuals are working with Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy in some capacity.
Kharge stated that notices were sent to the identified persons, but they are currently avoiding authorities and have sought anticipatory bail. He suggested that if Kumaraswamy intends to support the investigation, he should instruct his associates to provide statements.
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the Central Crime Branch has issued summons to Vinod Sharma and Prajwal Prasad, who are reportedly part of Kumaraswamy's social media team. Singh noted that the two have not responded to notices and have moved for anticipatory bail.
The investigation follows the arrest of Ritesh Pandey, a resident of Ghaziabad, who was granted bail. Commissioner Singh said Pandey alleged that, under the direction of Prajwal Prasad, he and Vinod Sharma bought a handset in Delhi and delivered it to Prasad at Kumaraswamy's New Delhi residence.
Police are currently verifying these claims through CCTV footage and digital financial records. Singh added that significant progress depends on securing and questioning the individuals involved.
The matter involves a video that Siddaramaiah alleged was used by miscreants to damage his reputation. The Bengaluru City Civil and Sessions Court has issued an interim order preventing media and social media platforms from hosting or circulating the video.