# Karnataka political corruption and surveillance controversy > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-political-corruption-and-surveillance-controversy > Updated: 2026-10-23T08:48:07.000Z. Sources: 31. Developments: 8. On October 13, 2026, Siddaramaiah secured an interim court injunction from a Bengaluru court to prevent the circulation of a controversial sting operation video, restraining 42 media houses and digital platforms from sharing the footage. Siddaramaiah alleged the video was part of a “malicious political conspiracy” and has since specifically named Kripa Alva and Rakesh Shetty in connection with the footage. The Central Crime Branch Cyber Crime Police registered an FIR and detained two suspects regarding the circulation of misleading content. Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has called for a CBI probe, while Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge rejected such demands, asserting that state police are capable of handling the case and characterizing the sting as a “systematic conspiracy.” On October 23, 2026, the controversy expanded when Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar alleged that an industrialist attempted a sting operation against him and Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan using Meta smart glasses. Shivakumar reported that the individual, who secured an appointment through official channels, used the device during meetings with Congress leaders. Kumaraswamy continues to accuse the Congress party of internal conspiracy, claiming the operation was orchestrated by party members to damage Siddaramaiah. In response, Kharge stated that an investigation is underway to expose those involved in the alleged criminal conspiracy, asserting the process will be conducted transparently without political interference. ## Claims - HD Kumaraswamy accused Congress leader Krupa Alva of being involved in a plot to damage Siddaramaiah’s reputation. (corroborated by 4 sources) - DK Shivakumar alleged an industrialist used Meta smart glasses to record meetings with him and Kerala CM VD Satheesan. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Priyank Kharge stated that an investigation is underway to expose those involved in the criminal conspiracy. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Police arrested Ritesh Pandey in Delhi in connection with the sting operation targeting Siddaramaiah. (corroborated by 2 sources) - Siddaramaiah filed a police complaint regarding a fake sting operation video. (single source) - The Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee is preparing to issue a show-cause notice to Krupa Alva. (single source) - Siddaramaiah obtained a court injunction to prevent the circulation of the doctored video. (single source) - The Golden Chariot luxury tourist train service has been relaunched by CM DK Shivakumar. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-10-23: Karnataka political row intensifies over alleged sting operations Karnataka leaders are embroiled in a political row over alleged sting operations, including claims of covert recordings using Meta smart glasses and the arrest of a Delhi man linked to videos targeting Siddaram 19 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/minister-yatindra-siddaramaiah-alleges-sting-operation-against-siddaramaiah ### 2026-10-19: Siddaramaiah refuses media comment on Karnataka sting operation row Former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has refused to comment on a sting operation controversy following his legal action against allegedly defamatory content circulating on social media. 4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/siddaramaiah-refuses-media-comment-on-karnataka-sting-operation-row ### 2026-10-15: Karnataka political row erupts over Siddaramaiah sting video A sting operation video involving former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah has sparked a political feud between the Congress government and JD(S)/BJP, leading to police investigations and public protests. 9 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-political-tension-rises-over-alleged-sting-operation-probe ### 2026-10-14: Priyank Kharge rejects CBI probe into Siddaramaiah sting operation Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has denied requests for a CBI investigation into a sting operation targeting Siddaramaiah, asserting that state police will lead the probe. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/priyank-kharge-rejects-cbi-probe-into-siddaramaiah-sting-operation ### 2026-10-13: Siddaramaiah secures court injunction against sting operation video A Bengaluru court has issued an injunction against the broadcast of a sting operation video targeting former Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, who alleges a political conspiracy to defame him. 11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/siddaramaiah-seeks-court-injunction-over-alleged-sting-operation ### 2026-10-10: Karnataka politics erupts over alleged sting operations targeting CM Shivakumar Karnataka Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar has claimed covert sting operations are targeting him, prompting Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy to demand a formal investigation into the allegations. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hd-kumaraswamy-demands-probe-into-karnataka-sting-operation-controversy ### 2026-10-08: Karnataka politics face scrutiny over honey trap claims and water disputes Karnataka politics face turmoil as the BJP demands transparency over Chief Minister D. K. Shivakumar’s ‘honey trap’ allegations, while also contesting water release decisions and local police misconduct. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-politics-face-scrutiny-over-honey-trap-claims-and-water-disputes ### 2026-10-08: Karnataka ministers warned of potential sting operations Karnataka CM DK Shivakumar has warned ministers about potential sting operations, amid allegations from the BJP that former CM Siddaramaiah was previously blackmailed into resigning. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karnataka-ministers-warned-of-potential-sting-operations --- Cite as: Karnataka political corruption and surveillance controversy. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/karnataka-political-corruption-and-surveillance-controversy