Kumaraswamy hits back at Bengaluru Police Commissioner over sting op link to Delhi home
Synopsis
The Karnataka sting operation case took a dramatic turn when Bengaluru's Police Commissioner linked a mobile phone exchange to Kumaraswamy's Delhi residence — and the Union Minister fired back, calling the Commissioner a 'head clerk' acting at someone's behest, while promising documentary evidence at a Monday press conference that he says will expose who is really behind the probe.
Key Takeaways
Kumaraswamy publicly attacked Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh on 1 November 2026 over the sting operation investigation.
The Commissioner had disclosed that a mobile phone was allegedly exchanged at Kumaraswamy's Delhi residence , with one Ritesh Pandey named as having stayed there.
A video in the case was allegedly uploaded on the instructions of Prajwal Prasad , according to the Commissioner.
Kumaraswamy promised documentary revelations at a press conference on 2 November at 11 am .
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge said technical evidence had emerged and legal action would follow irrespective of influence.
Former CM Siddaramaiah has obtained a court stay in connection with the case.
Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on 1 November 2026 launched a sharp counterattack against Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh and the Karnataka government, after the Commissioner publicly linked a mobile phone exchange to Kumaraswamy's Delhi residence in the ongoing investigation into the sting operation case involving former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Kumaraswamy's Warning Shot
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, an assertive Kumaraswamy declared that no one could easily take him on. 'The administrative machinery and officials of this government cannot take on or touch Kumaraswamy so easily,' he said.
Turning directly on the Commissioner, he questioned his conduct: 'Who is this commissioner? Is he a Police Commissioner or a head clerk? He is behaving like a clerk. To protect his position and post, he is making such irresponsible statements at someone's behest. I know very well what all he is doing to retain his position.' He announced he would hold a press conference at 11 am on Monday, 2 November, to present what he described as documentary evidence on who was actually implicated, whom the state government was protecting, and the direction in which the probe was heading.
The Film Producer Riposte
Responding to IT and BT Minister Priyank Kharge's remark that 'only the trailer is over, the picture is yet to come,' Kumaraswamy offered a pointed rejoinder, noting his background as a film producer. 'I am a film producer by profession. I do not need to learn filmmaking from them. They are now trying to make a film. I will hold a press conference at 11 am on Monday and show the real picture,' he said.
He also sought to reassure his supporters and party workers, urging them not to panic — this coming after former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah secured a stay order from court in the case, and Siddaramaiah's son Yathindra Siddaramaiah alleged the sting operation was orchestrated to blackmail and tarnish their image.
What the Police Commissioner Said
The row was triggered on Sunday when Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh disclosed that investigators had found evidence suggesting a mobile phone was exchanged at Kumaraswamy's Delhi residence. He named one Ritesh Pandey as having stayed at the address, adding that a video was uploaded on the instructions of Prajwal Prasad. The Commissioner called it a major development in the investigation.
This is not the first time Kumaraswamy's name has surfaced in the probe — he had reportedly earlier laid siege to the Police Commissioner's office and led a march to the Director General of Police's office after his name reportedly came up during the investigation.
Karnataka Government's Position
Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge, speaking in Kalaburagi on Sunday, said technical evidence and crucial documents had emerged during the investigation. He stated that legal action would be taken against anyone found involved, irrespective of their influence or position.
Kharge further alleged that people who had worked with Kumaraswamy and his close associates were not cooperating with investigators. He questioned why Kumaraswamy had not asked them to appear for questioning. The FIR, he noted, contained specific references to the publicity campaign surrounding the case and those working behind it.
What to Watch
All eyes are now on Kumaraswamy's Monday press conference, where he has promised documentary evidence that could escalate the political confrontation significantly. With a court stay already in place for Siddaramaiah and the probe reportedly widening, the sting operation case is fast becoming one of Karnataka's most consequential political-legal battles ahead of the next election cycle.
Point of View
With a sitting Union Minister publicly humiliating the state's top cop and promising counter-revelations. What's notable is the escalation pattern: Kumaraswamy's response to the Commissioner's disclosure is unusually personal and combative, suggesting he views this as a politically motivated strike rather than legitimate investigation. The involvement of a Delhi residence, a named intermediary, and references to a publicity campaign broaden the probe beyond Karnataka — and raise uncomfortable questions for both sides of the aisle about what the documentary evidence, if it exists, might actually show.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the sting operation case involving Siddaramaiah and Kumaraswamy?
It is a case under investigation by Bengaluru City Police in which a sting operation allegedly targeted former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The probe has now widened, with the Police Commissioner linking a mobile phone exchange to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's Delhi residence and naming individuals including Ritesh Pandey and Prajwal Prasad.
What did Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh reveal?
The Commissioner disclosed on Sunday that investigators found evidence of a mobile phone being exchanged at Kumaraswamy's Delhi residence. He named Ritesh Pandey as having stayed at that address and said a video in the case was uploaded on the instructions of Prajwal Prasad.
How did Kumaraswamy respond to the Police Commissioner's claims?
Kumaraswamy dismissed the Commissioner as behaving like a 'head clerk' acting at someone's behest to protect his position. He denied the allegations and announced a press conference on Monday, 2 November, at 11 am, where he promised to present documentary evidence on who is really implicated and what direction the investigation is taking.
What has the Karnataka government said about the investigation?
Home Minister Priyank Kharge said technical evidence and crucial documents have emerged in the probe and that legal action would follow regardless of the accused's influence. He also alleged that people associated with Kumaraswamy were not cooperating with investigators.
Where does the case stand legally?
Former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has obtained a stay order from court in connection with the sting operation case. His son Yathindra Siddaramaiah has alleged the sting was orchestrated to blackmail and tarnish their image. The investigation is ongoing and further revelations are expected.
