‘Nobody can touch this Kumaraswamy’: Union minister dares K'taka cops over sting row

The mobile phone allegedly used in the sting operation targeting former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah was purchased in New Delhi and subsequently handed over at the official residence of Union minister HD Kumaraswamy, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said on Sunday. Responding to the police claims, Kumaraswamy challenged the commissioner and said he would disclose details of the investigation on Monday.

According to Singh, the phone was purchased from a shop in Delhi's Karol Bagh by accused Ritesh Pandey and Vinod Sharma before being delivered to Prajwal Prasad at Kumaraswamy's official residence. The handover was allegedly made on the instructions of Prasad, who was present at the residence, the commissioner said, citing Pandey's statement to investigators. Pandey, who was arrested in New Delhi on October 24, is the first accused to be apprehended in connection with the case. Police said technical evidence, including details establishing the phone's purchase and delivery location, supported parts of his account. Investigators have also found evidence of financial transactions between Pandey and Prasad, which are being verified.

Reacting to the commissioner's statement, Kumaraswamy told ANI, "Who is this police commissioner? Whatever statement was given today by the Police Commissioner, you will get the statement tomorrow from my side. At what stage has the investigation reached? What steps is the Commissioner taking, and whose position is he trying to secure? I will explain everything tomorrow..." He further questioned the state government's handling of the investigation and said, "What is happening in this state under this government? What is the state of governance? I will put all these details before you tomorrow. This government, the chief minister and the officials of this government- nobody can touch this Kumaraswamy. I will challenge them. They are afraid of me. Tomorrow, I will give you complete details about how the investigation is being conducted under this government and whom the government is trying to protect through the investigation"

The police commissioner said notices had been issued to both Sharma and Prasad, but neither had responded. Both are currently absconding and have approached the court seeking anticipatory bail. Police intend to oppose their applications and are searching for the two men. Singh said further questioning would help establish their respective roles and provide more details about the alleged operation. The case relates to two videos containing allegations against Siddaramaiah that surfaced on YouTube in September.