Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) Karnataka President H.D. Kumaraswamy on Tuesday, 13 October demanded a comprehensive and impartial CBI investigation into allegations that political leaders and their families were being systematically targeted through sting operations in Karnataka. Speaking at the party's state headquarters, J.P. Bhavan in Bengaluru, Kumaraswamy announced he would personally meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah to submit a formal complaint and seek a federal probe.

What Kumaraswamy Has Alleged

Kumaraswamy called for the investigation to establish who orchestrated the alleged sting operations, who carried them out, and what roles various individuals played. He insisted those found guilty must face action. The JD(S) leader cited a pattern, alleging that a former Chief Minister, former Minister Ramesh Jarkiholi, and subsequently K.N. Rajanna — who belongs to the same community as Jarkiholi — had all been targeted in successive sting operations. He claimed Rajanna had alleged that a leader within his own party was running a so-called 'CD factory', but was later silenced.

Surveillance Allegations Against CM Shivakumar

In a sharper set of allegations, Kumaraswamy claimed that four retired police officers had been posted at Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's official residence in Sadashivanagar, allegedly to monitor conversations of ministers and others using sophisticated surveillance equipment. He said information about phone-tapping activities at the residence was reportedly being widely discussed within police circles. However, Kumaraswamy was careful to clarify that he was not asserting that Shivakumar had personally ordered the surveillance, calling instead for an independent probe to establish the facts. 'If a person holding the office of Chief Minister keeps his own party's MLAs and ministers under surveillance to secure his position, what does that mean?' he alleged.

The Complaint Involving a Minor

Kumaraswamy also drew attention to a complaint reportedly filed on 9 October by an organisation called Bengaluru Naija Horatagarara Vedike before the Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court, the Juvenile Justice Committee, and officials of the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority. The complaint, according to Kumaraswamy, alleged that a 14-year-old girl had been influenced to participate in a sting operation and that she is now an adult. He urged that these allegations be brought within the ambit of the CBI inquiry.

A Message to Siddaramaiah and the Congress Government

Kumaraswamy also addressed former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, who reportedly approached a court seeking an injunction in connection with the sting operation controversy. Kumaraswamy said the truth must ultimately emerge through constitutional and judicial institutions, adding that everyone must abide by the court's verdict. He urged Siddaramaiah not to be 'intimidated by the alleged conspiracy' and to speak with the same fighting spirit he had shown in the past. He also urged the state government to hand over the case to the CBI to insulate the probe from political influence, saying, 'Those who have done nothing wrong need not fear an investigation.'

What Comes Next

Kumaraswamy is expected to formally approach Home Minister Shah with a written complaint. Whether the Centre agrees to order a CBI inquiry will hinge on the political calculus between the BJP-led Centre and the Congress-led Karnataka government. The controversy adds fresh pressure on Chief Minister Shivakumar at a time when his administration is already navigating multiple internal challenges. The Karnataka High Court complaint filed by the Vedike adds a judicial dimension that could independently compel official responses in the coming weeks.