Sting op probe: Phone exchange at Kumaraswamy's home, says Bengaluru CP
Synopsis
Bengaluru's top cop has found evidence of a phone exchange at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy's home — a direct contradiction of his claim that Karnataka's Congress government is framing him. With key suspect Prajwal Prasad absconding and CCTV footage secured, the sting operation probe is edging closer to the minister himself.
Key Takeaways
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh confirmed on 1 November 2026 that evidence of a mobile phone exchange at H.D.
Kumaraswamy's residence has been found.
Ritesh Pandey , who allegedly stayed at Kumaraswamy's address, reportedly uploaded the sting video on instructions from Prajwal Prasad , Kumaraswamy's former PRO.
Financial transactions between Ritesh Pandey and Prajwal Prasad have been identified by investigators.
Prajwal Prasad and Vinod Sharma are both absconding; police are actively searching for them.
Police have obtained CCTV footage from the shop where the phone used to upload the video was purchased.
The sting video targeting Siddaramaiah was officially declared fabricated; 42 media organisations were blocked by court order from publishing the material.
Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh on Sunday, 1 November 2026, disclosed that investigators have found evidence suggesting a mobile phone was exchanged at the Bengaluru residence of Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy in connection with the alleged sting operation case targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The development marks a significant escalation in a politically charged investigation that has already drawn sharp exchanges between the ruling Congress in Karnataka and the BJP-JD(S) combine at the Centre.
Key Developments in the Investigation
Singh told reporters that one Ritesh Pandey had stayed at Kumaraswamy's address and that a video was uploaded on the instructions of Prajwal Prasad, who had worked as the Public Relations Officer of the Union Minister. Financial transactions between Ritesh and Prajwal Prasad have also been identified, according to the Commissioner.
'Videos were uploaded using a mobile phone purchased by Prajwal Prasad. The video was uploaded through a person called Ritesh Pandey. We are investigating who instructed him to upload it,' Singh said. Investigators have additionally obtained CCTV footage from the shop where the phone was purchased.
Singh confirmed that Prajwal Prasad is currently absconding, with a search underway to trace him. Another person, Vinod Sharma, is also absconding, and police are actively pursuing both individuals. 'Further mahazar procedures will be conducted. The investigation is still at a crucial stage, and it would not be appropriate to reveal more details at this point,' he added.
What Kumaraswamy Has Said
Union Minister Kumaraswamy has consistently denied wrongdoing, alleging that the Congress-led Karnataka government is conspiring to arrest him on false charges in connection with the sting operation row. He has also alleged internal party conspiracies within the Congress itself. The police disclosure that a phone exchange occurred at his residence directly challenges his narrative and is likely to intensify political pressure on him.
Background: The Sting Operation Case
In late September and October 2026, a purported sting operation and honey-trap video surfaced on social media platforms, including YouTube and X, and was discussed by several local channels. It alleged sexual misconduct and was linked to events traced back to earlier timelines. The Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) investigated the matter, recovered the mobile phone used to upload the content, and traced investigative leads to Delhi.
Police officially declared the video and its allegations to be 'false, concocted, and part of a deliberately constructed narrative.' Siddaramaiah filed a police complaint on 6 October 2026 and secured an ex parte ad-interim injunction from a Bengaluru court, blocking 42 media organisations and platforms from publishing or broadcasting the material.
Notably, the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) expelled former party general secretary Kripa Alva for six years after her name surfaced in connection with the video and she failed to respond to a show-cause notice.
What Happens Next
According to investigators, a possible examination of Kumaraswamy's residence cannot be ruled out, with further action contingent on the arrest and questioning of Prajwal Prasad. Singh stressed that 'the role of other individuals in the case would become clear following further investigation and the arrest of Prajwal Prasad.' The case is expected to remain at the centre of Karnataka's political discourse as the investigation deepens.
Point of View
Not just a political allegation. The fact that both key suspects are absconding is a red flag the investigation cannot paper over; every day Prajwal Prasad remains at large weakens the credibility of the eventual case, regardless of which side it implicates. Karnataka's history of politically weaponised investigations means this will be contested fiercely — but the CCTV evidence and financial transaction trail, if proven in court, will be harder to dismiss as partisan theatre.
NationPress
2 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What evidence has Bengaluru Police found against H.D. Kumaraswamy in the sting operation case?
Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh stated on 1 November 2026 that investigators found evidence suggesting a mobile phone was exchanged at Kumaraswamy's residence. CCTV footage from the shop where the phone was purchased has also been obtained, and financial transactions between key accused persons have been identified.
Who is Prajwal Prasad and what is his role in the sting operation case?
Prajwal Prasad served as the Public Relations Officer of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy. According to police, the video at the centre of the sting operation case was uploaded on his instructions, using a mobile phone he had purchased. He is currently absconding, and police are actively searching for him.
What is the sting operation case involving Siddaramaiah?
In late September and October 2026, a purported sting and honey-trap video targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah surfaced on social media. Bengaluru Police investigated and officially declared the video false and fabricated. Siddaramaiah filed a complaint on 6 October 2026 and secured a court injunction blocking 42 media outlets from carrying the content.
What has H.D. Kumaraswamy said about the investigation?
Kumaraswamy has alleged that the Congress-led Karnataka government is conspiring to arrest him on false charges in connection with the sting operation. He has also claimed internal conspiracies within the Congress party. The latest police disclosures directly contradict his account.
What happens next in the Bengaluru sting operation investigation?
Police have said further action, including a possible examination of Kumaraswamy's residence, may follow once Prajwal Prasad is arrested and questioned. Mahazar procedures are underway, and investigators say the roles of other individuals will become clearer after the absconding suspects are traced.
