Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Sunday, 2 November issued a sharp warning over the ongoing sting operation investigation, saying that technical evidence and crucial documents had already surfaced — and that legal action would follow against anyone implicated, regardless of their standing. Speaking in Kalaburagi, Kharge declared, 'This is just the trailer; the movie is yet to come.'

Key Developments in the Probe

The minister's remarks came hours after Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh stated that investigators had found evidence suggesting a mobile phone was exchanged at the residence of Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy in connection with the alleged sting operation. Kharge confirmed that hardware and technical evidence had been recovered and that the investigation was actively examining the origin of the case and who had orchestrated it.

According to Kharge, the FIR contained specific references to the publicity campaign surrounding the sting and to those working behind it. He also alleged that after one person was detained in connection with the case, a second individual was traced in Delhi, with CCTV footage reportedly available to corroborate this. Investigators are examining where the equipment was purchased and on whose instructions the operation was conducted, he said.

Kumaraswamy Connections Under Scrutiny

Kharge alleged that three individuals, including two from Delhi, had officially worked with Kumaraswamy, and that people closely associated with the Union Minister were not presenting themselves for questioning. He questioned why Kumaraswamy had not asked his associates to cooperate with the probe.

He also recalled that Kumaraswamy had earlier laid siege to the Police Commissioner's office after his name reportedly surfaced during the investigation, and had subsequently led a march to the Director General of Police's office. Kharge accused Kumaraswamy of pursuing what he described as dirty politics targeting Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.

What the Home Minister Said

Kharge was emphatic that anyone found involved — including Kumaraswamy's associates and supporters — would face action. 'Anyone found involved, including Kumaraswamy's associates and supporters, would face action,' he said. He challenged those alleging that he was behind the investigation to produce evidence for their claims.

The minister explained he was withholding certain details to preserve the confidentiality of the investigation, adding that some documents were yet to be obtained. He said that further facts would emerge in the next phase of the probe. He also expressed displeasure over what he described as derogatory remarks made against his caste and his father, Mallikarjun Kharge, urging public figures to maintain the dignity of their office.

Political Context and What Comes Next

This comes amid a broader conflict between the Karnataka Congress government and Janata Dal (Secular) leader Kumaraswamy, now a Union minister, over the alleged sting operation. The case has sharpened political fault lines in the state, with accusations flying in both directions.

Notably, the investigation's reach appears to be widening — from local operatives to individuals based in Delhi — suggesting the probe could take on a national political dimension. As Kharge put it, 'Truth cannot be hidden for long, just like the sun and the moon. It will come out sooner or later.' Further details are expected to emerge as the next phase of investigations concludes.