Bengaluru police probe phone handover in Siddaramaiah sting case

Bengaluru police are investigating an alleged sting operation targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the mobile phone allegedly used in the operation was purchased in New Delhi and handed over to Prajwal Prasad at Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy's official residence in the national capital.

The purchase was made on Prasad's instructions, according to the statement of arrested accused Ritesh Pandey. Pandey, a Delhi-based man, was arrested on October 24 in connection with uploading a video of the alleged sting operation on social media. He was the first person arrested in the case.

“Crucial progress in this investigation can only take place once both individuals are secured and interrogated.”

The Central Crime Branch apprehended Pandey in Delhi and brought him to Bengaluru for questioning. According to Singh, Pandey and Vinod Sharma bought the mobile phone from a shop in Delhi's Karol Bagh area and later handed it to Prasad at Kumaraswamy's official residence.

Two videos containing serious allegations against Siddaramaiah were uploaded on YouTube, reportedly in September. The Congress leader subsequently approached the court and obtained an injunction restraining the media from reporting on the videos. He also lodged a police complaint seeking an investigation.

The case was registered at the CCB police station, and several police teams are investigating different aspects of the alleged sting operation. Police have issued notices to Sharma and Prasad based on their findings so far.

However, both Sharma and Prasad are absconding and have approached the court seeking anticipatory bail, Singh said. Police have also come across certain financial transactions between Pandey and Prasad, which are being verified. Investigators have gathered technical evidence, including CCTV footage and other digital records.