Here are the big stories from Karnataka today

1. Karnataka sting operation: Siddaramaiah seeks fair probe to unmask those behind ‘concocted’ case

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has called for a fair investigation into the purported sting operation, alleging that it was aimed at “concocting” a case against him and “blackmailing” him. Mr. Siddaramaiah said he had approached the court seeking an injunction against the publication of the purported sting operation, arguing that the issue should not be publicised.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru on Friday (October 23, 2026), in his first detailed reaction to the case, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he had lodged a police complaint against what he termed “a false case” to ensure that the truth came out. “We should know who is behind this,” he said. He emphasised the need for people in the State to realise that the allegations against him were false.

2. KPCC to issue show-cause notice to Kripa Alva; Power TV head seeks anticipatory bail

With the alleged sting operation continuing to dominate the state’s political discourse, KPCC president B.K. Hariprasad said a show-cause notice would be issued to party spokesperson Kripa Alva, seeking an explanation for her alleged role in the episode. Sources said the party was considering expelling her for allegedly embarrassing the government and giving the Opposition ammunition to target it.

Meanwhile, Rakesh Shetty, head of a Kannada news channel, approached the CCH-66 City Civil and Sessions Court on October 22 seeking anticipatory bail in connection with the case, which is being investigated by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru police. The court had reserved its order for October 23. The CCB is expected to file objections to the application.

3. Panic at Shivamogga Dasara: Residents suggest ‘religious remedy’

Former elected representatives and a section of residents in Shivamogga have suggested that the district administration consider a “religious solution” in response to the untoward incident in which Somanna, the elephant carrying the howdah during the Dasara celebrations, ran amok. A couple of vehicles and a portion of a house were damaged in the melee. The howdah fell to the ground, and the idol of Goddess Chamundeshwari was damaged.

The Forest Department has begun an internal inquiry into the incident. Department officials, in consultation with the caretakers of the elephant, had decided to keep Somanna, the tusker carrying the howdah, in the middle of the procession, with Sagar, a veteran who had carried the howdah in previous years, in the lead. However, at the last minute, an elected representative insisted that Somanna be brought to the front. Exposed to the large crowd, the frightened animal turned back.

4. Mysuru zoo attracts 1.57 lakh visitors during Dasara, earns record ₹1.93 crore

Mysuru zoo recorded its highest Dasara-season gate revenue in five years, earning ₹1.93 crore from 1.57 lakh visitors during the 11-day festivities, thereby reaffirming its popularity as one of the city’s premier tourist attractions. The zoo generated ₹193.19 lakh in gate revenue during Dasara 2026, marginally surpassing the previous high of ₹191.37 lakh recorded in 2025.

However, the increase in revenue came with only a marginal rise in footfall, from around 1.56 lakh visitors last year to 1.57 lakh visitors this year, according to figures from Sri Chamarajendra Zoological Gardens. The zoo earned ₹153.51 lakh from 1.55 lakh visitors in 2022; ₹167.10 lakh from 1.65 lakh visitors in 2023; and ₹171.29 lakh from 1.65 lakh visitors in 2024.