Karnataka Minister for Urban Development and Mysuru district in-charge Yathindra Siddaramaiah on Friday, 23 October 2026, expressed full confidence in the state police investigation into the alleged sting operation targeting his father and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, stating that everyone responsible must be arrested and brought to justice. Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra said the probe must be pursued effectively regardless of who is implicated.

Key Developments in the Sting Operation Case

Yathindra confirmed that two persons, including a journalist, had been detained and questioned in connection with the alleged sting operation. He said his father had been briefed on the detentions and the summoning of the media person for questioning.

'My father has told the Chief Minister and the Home Minister that the investigation should be conducted effectively and that whoever is behind this must be arrested,' Yathindra said, attributing the directive to Siddaramaiah himself.

He further stated that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge had been personally informed of the former Chief Minister's expectations for the probe. Yathindra added that if the investigation was not conducted properly, the government would demand a high-level inquiry.

What the Government Said on the Probe

Expressing faith in the ongoing investigation, Yathindra asserted that the government was committed to a transparent probe. 'We have faith in the investigation being conducted by our government. We expect the probe to be conducted transparently. At present, we believe the police investigating the matter are doing their job effectively,' he said. He warned, however, that a high-level probe would be sought if the current investigation fell short.

Dasara Controversy: CM's Wife and Nandi Dhwaja Puja Row

Separately, Yathindra defended the participation of Chief Minister Shivakumar's wife in the Mysuru Dasara festivities, specifically her floral tribute to Goddess Chamundeshwari placed in the golden howdah during the Jamboo Savari procession. He argued that she had not undertaken any government-related work and that no protocol violation had occurred.

On a second Dasara controversy, Yathindra criticised the police for preventing ministers from attending the Nandi Dhwaja puja. He said the officer — of Inspector General of Police (IGP) rank — had acted 'overboard' in blocking ministers including H.C. Balakrishna and C. Puttarangasetty from entering the ceremony. Yathindra said he personally intervened and facilitated their entry after speaking to Chief Minister Shivakumar.

'The police officer should not have prevented ministers from attending the Nandi Dhwaja puja. I do not know why an officer of the rank of IGP did this,' he said. The state government has ordered an inquiry into the incident, and the officer concerned will be required to explain his actions before the inquiry team.

What Happens Next

The investigation into the alleged sting operation remains ongoing, with state police handling the case. Yathindra's public backing of the probe — combined with Siddaramaiah's reported instructions to the Chief Minister and Home Minister — signals that the ruling Congress dispensation in Karnataka is treating the matter as a priority. The inquiry into the Nandi Dhwaja puja incident is also underway, with the IGP-rank officer expected to face questions.