Karnataka Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah confirmed on Saturday, 7 November that his father, former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Siddaramaiah, had personally conveyed his account of the alleged sting operation controversy to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi. The statement, made to reporters in Mysuru, comes amid a widening political row over what Siddaramaiah has described as a fabricated video designed to blackmail and discredit him.

Background: The Sting Operation Complaint

The controversy traces back to 6 October, when Siddaramaiah filed a formal police complaint alleging that a fabricated sting operation video and a honey-trap narrative had been deliberately constructed to damage his reputation and coerce him. He subsequently addressed the media on the matter, and the case has since drawn in senior political figures from both the ruling Congress and the opposition.

Yathindra's Statement on the Investigation

Speaking in Mysuru, Yathindra Siddaramaiah said the family was waiting patiently for the probe to reach its conclusion. 'I have already stated that we are waiting patiently. I have faith in the government and trust that action will be initiated against whoever is responsible. Everything will be done in accordance with the law,' he said.

He cited Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh as having confirmed that individuals linked to the case were being arrested and questioned. Yathindra further claimed that investigators had traced the mobile phones used to upload the video to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in Delhi — an allegation that adds a significant political dimension to the case.

Kumaraswamy's Counter-Allegation

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy had earlier cast suspicion on Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, alleging that Congress insiders may themselves have been involved in orchestrating the sting operation. Responding to this, Yathindra said the investigators should be allowed to establish the facts without interference. 'Let the investigators make their statements and submit all the evidence before the court. The court will decide whether he was involved in circulating the videos or not,' he said.

Scope of the Probe: Beyond the Sting Itself

Yathindra stressed that accountability should extend not only to those who allegedly conducted the sting but also to those who circulated the video. 'Along with those who conducted the sting operation, those who circulated it should also be punished. Action will be taken against them as well,' he said. He acknowledged that allegations involving politicians inevitably acquire a political dimension, but maintained confidence in the investigation's integrity.

What Happens Next

With arrests already under way and evidence reportedly being compiled for submission to a court, the case is expected to intensify in the coming weeks. Yathindra reiterated that the probe would cover all aspects — both the alleged staging of the sting and the subsequent circulation of the video — and that the matter would be taken to its 'logical conclusion.'