2 hrs ago
Congress MLA Says He Has Evidence of Alleged Sting Operation
A Karnataka Congress lawmaker says someone tried to secretly record members of the state government.
Ravi Kumar Gowda said private agencies were hired to watch the Chief Minister’s office and about 10 ministers.
He claimed the goal was to catch ministers in embarrassing situations.
Gowda showed reporters a pen drive that he said held evidence.
He said more material, including videos and recordings, would be shared later.
Chief Minister D K Shivakumar had already said a sting operation targeted him after he became chief minister.
Gowda urged ministers to be careful.
Opposition leader H D Kumaraswamy said Shivakumar should name who was behind the operation and take legal action.
Mandya Congress MLA Ravi Kumar Gowda backed Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s claim that a sting operation targeted his government.
Gowda alleged private agencies from Delhi and Kolkata were hired to spy on the Chief Minister’s Office and about 10 ministers.
He said the operation had been underway in Bengaluru for two months and that operatives were arranged to stay at a private hotel.
Gowda displayed a pen drive and said it contained documents, with videos, audio recordings and photographs to be made public soon.
JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy challenged Shivakumar to identify the alleged operation’s backer and file a case against those involved.
- Who
- Congress MLA Ravi Kumar Gowda made the allegations, backing Chief Minister D K Shivakumar’s claim; H D Kumaraswamy challenged Shivakumar to name those responsible.
- What
- Gowda alleged that private agencies were hired to conduct a sting operation against the Chief Minister’s Office and about 10 ministers.
- Where
- Mandya, Karnataka; the alleged surveillance was in Bengaluru.
- When
- Gowda made the claims on Friday, October 9; he said the agencies had been operating in Bengaluru for two months.
- Why
- Gowda alleged the operation was intended to embarrass ministers and destabilise the state government.
Gowda’s allegations
Kumaraswamy’s challenge
Evidence and responsibility
Gowda’s allegations
Gowda said he had documents and a pen drive containing evidence of an operation targeting the government, and urged Shivakumar to examine the material.
Kumaraswamy’s challenge
Kumaraswamy challenged Shivakumar to name the alleged operation’s ‘God Father’ and file a case against those involved.
Purpose of the alleged operation
Gowda’s allegations
Gowda alleged the operation aimed to catch ministers in compromising situations, embarrass the government and create trouble for Shivakumar’s government.
Kumaraswamy’s challenge
Kumaraswamy’s reported challenge focused on publicly identifying and prosecuting those behind the alleged operation.
Key facts
- Congress MLA
- Ravi Kumar Gowda (Ganiga), representing Mandya
- Chief Minister
- D K Shivakumar
- Alleged targets
- The Chief Minister’s Office, officials and about 10 ministers
- Agencies
- Gowda alleged private agencies from Delhi and Kolkata were involved
- Alleged duration
- Two months of activity in Bengaluru, according to Gowda
- Evidence cited
- Gowda displayed a pen drive and said documents, videos, audio recordings and photographs would be presented
- Opposition response
- H D Kumaraswamy challenged Shivakumar to identify the alleged operation’s backer and file a case
Quotes
Ravi Kumar Gowda
Ruling Congress MLA from Mandya
“The plan was to target around 10 ministers, monitor their day-to-day activities, catch them in compromising situations and embarrass the government.”
theprint.in
“I will urge the Chief Minister to look into the documents we have. This is a serious case, and such things should not happen in this state.”
theprint.in
Sources
Related news
Shivakumar Alleges Sting Plot Targeting Karnataka Ministers and Officials
Karnataka Minister Says Private Agency Tried to Trap Shivakumar
Kumaraswamy Claims Sting Operation Forced Siddaramaiah From Chief Minister's Office
Karnataka BJP Chief Challenges Shivakumar Over Jarkiholi Sting
Ministers Dispute Reported Shivakumar Warning About Sting Operations
Kumaraswamy, Shivakumar Clash Over ED Raids Evidence
Karnataka May Add More Taluks to Drought-Hit List
Vijayendra Says BJP Supports Voter Roll Revision, Not EC
Karnataka May Form SIT to Probe Bulk Voter Deletion Applications
Shivakumar Questions Deportations, Alleges Electoral Roll Manipulation in Karnataka
