Hassan: Kumaraswamy questions integrity of sting operation probe
Hassan: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has launched a sharp attack on the state government over the sting operation case, questioning the credibility of the investigation and accusing the government of delaying action.
He questioned why the government was hesitating to act against Power TV chief Rakesh Shetty, who is said to have publicly admitted to conducting the sting operation.
Speaking to media representatives near Ring Road in Hassan, Kumaraswamy criticised the government’s handling of several issues, including the investigation into the sting operation and allegations of irregularities in Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) recruitment.
Kumaraswamy questioned the need to seek additional evidence when the person concerned had allegedly admitted to conducting the sting operation. He claimed that more than 100 police personnel had been targeted in the operation and said the government should have treated the matter seriously.
Instead of taking appropriate action on the allegations, the government was delaying the process in the name of an investigation, he alleged.
Kumaraswamy said he had met the Director General of Police (DGP) and submitted a representation on the matter, but had not received the assurance he expected.
“We met the DGP yesterday and submitted a representation. But, judging by the expressions of the officials there, it does not appear that a proper investigation will be conducted. They are asking us to provide documents for the investigation. When the person concerned has admitted to conducting the sting operation, what more documents should we provide?” he asked.
He demanded a lawful and impartial investigation, free from pressure or influence, to establish the truth behind the allegations.
Referring to Home Minister’s conduct over the past week, Kumaraswamy said he suspected that the Chief Minister might have instructed the minister to provoke him.
Responding to being called ‘Uttara Kumara’, he said he was prepared to face political criticism, but maintained that the government had a duty to answer questions concerning public issues.
He also alleged that no action had been taken despite information being provided about alleged irregularities in the KPSC recruitment process. He said the government should investigate the allegations and ensure that deserving candidates were not treated unfairly, instead of merely asking for documents.
Expressing confidence about the state's political future, Kumaraswamy said a coalition government would certainly come to power in Karnataka after the 2028 Assembly elections.
MLAs H.P. Swaroop, A. Manju and B.R. Satyanarayana, along with Sumukh Raghu, Prasad Tyagi and others, were present.