Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, the former chief minister said no such incident had occurred during his eight-year tenure as CM and dismissed the allegations as politically motivated.
“This is a false accusation. I have done nothing wrong, so I do not need anyone’s support,” Siddaramaiah said, responding to Union minister HD Kumaraswamy’s remarks that he would stand by him.
Siddaramaiah said he had filed a police complaint to ensure the truth emerged and had also secured an injunction from a civil court to prevent further dissemination of the video. He maintained that the footage was completely fabricated and intended to tarnish his reputation.
The Congress veteran alleged that the video featured individuals identified as Kripa Alva and Rakesh Shetty, adding that Shetty had admitted to orchestrating the episode. “The people of the state have a right to know who is behind this,” he said.
The Congress leader expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation. “The investigation must be fair and thorough. Let it reveal whether those involved are from my party or any other party,” he said.
Home Minister Priyank Kharge said the investigation was progressing as planned and that state agencies could handle the case. He questioned why some individuals linked to the matter were allegedly absconding and urged them to come forward if they possessed evidence.The controversy comes amid a political war of words between Kumaraswamy and chief minister DK Shivakumar. The Union minister has repeatedly targeted the CM over the alleged sting operation, accusing him of conspiring with a journalist to trap the former CM. Kumaraswamy has sought a CBI probe into Siddaramaiah’s complaint, while the state government has maintained that the ongoing investigation is sufficient.
Earlier, a Bengaluru civil court granted Siddaramaiah an ex parte ad-interim injunction restraining 42 media organisations, digital platforms and other parties from publishing or circulating videos allegedly linking him to a honey-trap. Siddaramaiah has maintained that he has no connection with the video and that advances in technology have made it easier to spread fabricated content and misinformation.
