Karnataka: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy seeks SIT probe into alleged sting video

Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) State president H.D. Kumaraswamy petitioned M.A. Saleem, Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP), Karnataka, demanding a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into a controversial sting video circulating on social media and alleging that it was edited and misused to target political leaders and facilitate alleged blackmail and extortion.

Mr. Kumaraswamy recently participated in a sit-in protest at the Bengaluru City Police Commissioner’s office over detention of two JD(S) IT Wing workers for allegedly spreading the video in question.

In his representation, he sought the arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved in secretly recording, manipulating and exploiting the video. The complaint names Rakesh Shetty, described in the petition as the owner and anchor of Power TV. The petition alleges that the woman featured in the video was recorded without her knowledge or consent, raising concerns over her privacy, dignity and safety. According to the JD(S), the woman is heard making serious allegations that a prominent political leader had exploited her sexually.

The petition further claimed that the woman was pressured to appear before the media and encouraged to make statements against the then Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, allegedly with promises of financial support.

‘Isn’t your blood boiling?’

Speaking to reporters later, Mr, Kumaraswamy questioned why Mr. Siddaramaiah had remained silent over what he described as a “conspiracy” that allegedly led to Mr. Siddaramaiah’s exit.

“Isn’t your blood boiling over the conspiracy against you, Siddaramaiah?” Mr. Kumaraswamy asked.