Karnataka Minister for Home and IT/BT Priyank Kharge on Monday, 2 November 2026, firmly dismissed allegations made by Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy over the investigation into the sting operation case linked to former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Siddaramaiah, insisting that Bengaluru police were probing the matter from every possible angle. Kharge's rebuttal marks a sharp escalation in the ongoing political confrontation between the Congress-led Karnataka government and the Union Minister.

Kharge's Direct Rebuttal

Responding to Kumaraswamy's repeated public allegations against the state government and its investigating officers, Kharge questioned the Union Minister's urgency while the probe was still underway. 'The police are investigating the matter in all dimensions. Why is Kumaraswamy in such a hurry?' Kharge said. He challenged Kumaraswamy to produce documentary evidence rather than making daily media statements, calling the pattern 'a hit-and-run episode.'

Kharge said the government had already issued an official statement detailing the progress of the investigation, including information about those who allegedly carried out the sting operation and those who appeared in the video. 'All statements are being recorded on video. How does he know whom we have questioned and how many times? I cannot speak irresponsibly,' he said.

Warning and Search Threat

Kharge issued a sharp warning to the Union Minister, saying: 'If he keeps quiet for a few days, everything will be done. I will ensure that the chargesheet reaches his house.' When asked about the possibility of searches at Kumaraswamy's residence, Kharge did not rule it out. 'If there is a need, searches will be conducted at Kumaraswamy's residence as well. We will act according to the law, and the law is clear,' he said.

Notably, this came after Commissioner of Police, Bengaluru City, Seemanth Kumar Singh, said on Sunday that investigators had found evidence suggesting a mobile phone was exchanged at Kumaraswamy's residence in connection with the alleged sting operation — a development that significantly raised the political temperature.

Prajwal Revanna Case Invoked

Kharge also brought up the Prajwal Revanna case to defend the credibility of the investigating officers. He pointed out that the same officers had received awards from the Central government under Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their work on that investigation. 'Even in this case, Kumaraswamy is making false allegations against them. What does he have to say about the awards given to these officers?' Kharge asked. The invocation was a pointed attempt to turn the Union Minister's own government's recognition of the officers against him.

Kumaraswamy's Counter-Allegations

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, meanwhile, accused Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh of attempting to mislead the public by selectively disclosing details of the sting operation probe. He also questioned the police over the alleged involvement of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his brother D.K. Suresh in an earlier video controversy linked to the Prajwal Revanna case — broadening the political attack beyond just the current sting operation investigation.

What Happens Next

Kharge advised Kumaraswamy to file a formal complaint with the concerned authorities rather than airing allegations through the media. 'Instead of speaking to the media, let him come and file a complaint,' he said. The Congress government maintained that Siddaramaiah continued to be held in high regard within the party. 'We owe Siddaramaiah. He has contributed immensely to the party,' Kharge added. With the threat of searches at Kumaraswamy's residence now on the table and a mobile phone exchange allegedly traced to his home, the probe is set to intensify in the coming days.