Kumaraswamy dismisses police claims linking his office to sting case, targets Congress

Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy on Monday rejected Bengaluru Police's suggestion of links between his office and the alleged sting operation involving former chief minister Siddaramaiah, calling the allegations "completely bogus" and accusing the ruling Congress of attempting to divert attention from its own controversies.

Questioning Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh's decision to brief the media on a holiday, Kumaraswamy alleged that investigators selectively leaked information to create a narrative against him.

"Why did the Commissioner hurriedly appear before the media on a holiday and specifically refer to my Delhi residence," Kumaraswamy asked, claiming the move was aimed at misleading the public.


Displaying documents during a press conference, the JD(S) state president also raised questions about the police investigation into the 2023 cases linked to former MP Prajwal Revanna. He alleged that investigators had ignored evidence submitted by his legal team regarding the role of Karthik, a former driver of Prajwal Revanna, and his alleged links with Chief Minister DK Shivakumar.

"Our reports show Karthik stayed at Shivakumar's residence. Why has this not been investigated? Why was no action taken?" Kumaraswamy said.

He alleged that the state government was dragging his name into the controversy to tarnish his family's reputation and project an image of conducting a transparent investigation.

Responding to the allegations, Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the government would act strictly based on evidence and had no interest in targeting Kumaraswamy.

"If there is no evidence against him, why will we call him? But if there is even a shred of evidence, we will summon him without hesitation," Kharge said.

Defending the police, Kharge cited the Karnataka Police's handling of the Prajwal Revanna case, noting that the force had received recognition from the Centre for its investigation. He also claimed that attempts were being made to drag Congress leaders into the KPSC recruitment scam through central agencies and said questions on those allegations should be directed at Kumaraswamy.