[REVISION HISTORY]

Karnataka political corruption and surveillance controversy

Updated 10 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-23 09:33 UTC → 2026-10-24 09:20 UTC · added ~~removed~~

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.”~~ 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 ~~since~~ called for a CBI ~~probe into the matter. On October 14, 2026,~~ probe, while Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge rejected ~~the demands for a CBI investigation,~~ such demands, asserting that state police are capable of handling the ~~case. Kharge questioned the necessity of central agencies~~ case and ~~characterized~~ characterizing the sting ~~operation~~ as a “systematic ~~conspiracy” intended to damage Siddaramaiah’s reputation. The dispute escalated on~~ conspiracy.” On October ~~15,~~ 23, 2026, ~~during a press conference at JP Bhavan. Kumaraswamy challenged authorities to investigate him directly and criticized~~ the handling of investigations involving IPS officers and the Panchayat Raj department. In a sharp rebuttal, Kharge warned that responding to Kumaraswamy’s personal attacks in kind might require the Minister to undergo “another heart surgery,” urging him to provide evidence rather than making baseless claims. By October 16, 2026, controversy expanded when Deputy Chief Minister ~~D K~~ D.K. Shivakumar ~~delegated the investigation into the~~ alleged that an industrialist attempted a sting operation to against him and Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan using Meta smart glasses. Shivakumar reported that the ~~state Home Department following a meeting~~ individual, who secured an appointment through official channels, used the device during meetings with ~~Kharge.~~ Congress leaders. Kumaraswamy ~~further escalated the matter by calling for investigations by~~ continues to accuse the ~~Enforcement Directorate and~~ Congress party of internal conspiracy, claiming the ~~Income Tax Department, alleging~~ operation was orchestrated by party members to damage Siddaramaiah. In response, Kharge stated that between Rs 10 crore and Rs 15 crore may have been spent on the operation. He warned of statewide protests if key accused individuals are not arrested within two days. On October 19, 2026, Siddaramaiah declined an investigation is underway to ~~provide media comments regarding~~ expose those involved in the ~~controversy following his legal actions.~~ alleged criminal conspiracy, asserting the process will be conducted transparently without political interference.

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