HD Kumaraswamy seeks probe into alleged sting operation targeting Siddaramaiah

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy on Monday demanded a thorough probe into allegations that a sting operation was carried out to tarnish the reputation of former CM Siddaramaiah, saying the government cannot dismiss the issue by merely stating that “time will tell”.

The demand comes amid a political controversy over claims of an alleged sting operation and reports that the matter was discussed at a recent Cabinet meeting. Kumaraswamy said the government owed the public an explanation and must establish the facts through an impartial inquiry.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, he said allegations involving a former CM could not be treated lightly, particularly when Siddaramaiah himself had reportedly sought that the truth be unearthed.


“Who was behind this operation, who carried it out and what role did each person play? The government must answer these questions. Saying that time will tell is no substitute for an investigation,” the union minister said.

While noting that he had been a political opponent of Siddaramaiah on several issues, Kumaraswamy said the matter went beyond politics.

“This is not about being sympathetic to Siddaramaiah. The issue is to establish the truth, identify those responsible and ensure that action is taken against anyone found guilty,” he said.

Kumaraswamy also questioned reports that Shivakumar had taken a file related to the alleged sting operation to a Cabinet meeting. If the matter was serious enough to be discussed by the Cabinet, the government should explain what information it possessed and why a formal investigation had not been ordered, he said.

He also questioned reports that a person allegedly connected to the operation had been provided police security, and urged the government to place the facts before the public.