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.

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.

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.

Pointing out that he had served as Chief Minister for eight years, he said no such false case had been foisted on him during his tenure. The video targeting him had surfaced only after he demitted office, he added.

Responding to a question, Mr. Siddaramaiah wondered how anyone could blackmail him when he was no longer in power.

Referring to the alleged sting operation, he said the video featured Congress leader Kripa Alva and Power TV owner Rakesh Shetty. However, the allegations against him were baseless, he maintained, adding that the investigation into the matter was still underway.

‘Don’t need anyone’s support’

Asked about JD(S) leader and Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy extending support to him in the matter, Mr. Siddaramaiah said he did not need anyone’s support.

“I don’t need anyone to support me. I only want the people of the State to know the truth and understand that a false case is being made against me,” he said.

Faith in ongoing probe

Mr. Siddaramaiah ruled out the need for a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter, expressing faith in the ongoing police investigation and calling for it to be conducted fairly.

He expressed confidence that the people of the State would not believe the allegations against him. However, he said he was unaware of the progress made in the investigation.

“We should know who is behind it all. Only an investigation will reveal that,” he said. Mr. Siddaramaiah said he learnt about the matter on September 26, when the video went viral.

No false cases since 1984

Asked whether the episode had disappointed him, he wondered why he should be disappointed over what he described as a “concocted” story. He said no such false case had been foisted on him since he became a Minister in 1984.