Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar Faces Calls for Probe into Alleged Sting Operations

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy alleged that Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar held a “lengthy, private” meeting with a person linked to a sting operation at a five-star hotel in Bengaluru. Kumaraswamy said the CM later warned five cabinet colleagues that they had been targeted and asked why no investigation had been ordered. Shivakumar replied that he knows who financed and organized the operation but will reveal details only when “the time is right,” adding he possesses photographs and other evidence.

Karnataka: Kumaraswamy challenges Shivakumar to probe sting operation H D Kumaraswamy continues 'sting' attack; accuses CM Shivakumar of meeting person involved in ops The HinduThe Indian ExpressThe HinduThePrintThe Hindu

• D.K. Shivakumar (Chief Minister) said he has concrete information about the mastermind and financiers and that “people came to trap me,” but declined to name the individual met at the hotel.

ThePrint

• H.D. Kumaraswamy (Union Minister) urged the CM to order a Special Investigation Team (SIT) and make the evidence public, questioning why alleged perpetrators had not been arrested.

Karnataka: Kumaraswamy challenges Shivakumar to probe sting operation

• Priyank Kharge (Home Minister) indicated an investigation would start only after a formal complaint is filed.

The Hindu

Sting operations—often called “honey traps” or “CDs”—have recurred in Karnataka politics. Past incidents include a 2021 court-ordered gag order and a 2019 alleged “fake gay sex video” against BJP MLA Arvind Limbavali, reflecting a climate of alleged media-driven entrapment.

ThePrint

• Five Cabinet ministers are reported to have been targeted.

The Indian Express

• More than 150 former IAS officers have expressed support for protests against the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, a separate issue raised by Shivakumar.

The Hindu

Kumaraswamy accused Shivakumar of using the sting-operation narrative to divert attention from alleged irregularities in the NICE project, calling the CM’s statements a “political stunt.” He urged that an SIT examine the claims and that any evidence, including photographs, be placed before the public.

Karnataka: Kumaraswamy challenges Shivakumar to probe sting operation The HinduThe HinduThePrintH D Kumaraswamy continues 'sting' attack; accuses CM Shivakumar of meeting person involved in ops The Indian ExpressThe Hindu

• “I know who they met, who their kingpins are,” — K. Shivakumar, chief minister

ThePrint

• “If a sting operation was actually attempted, let there be an investigation. If the police knew about it and there is evidence, who were the people involved? Why not place those details before the public,” — D. Kumaraswamy, union minister

Karnataka: Kumaraswamy challenges Shivakumar to probe sting operation

• The CM says he possesses photographs and knows the “kingpins,” yet no material has been released.

ThePrint

• Kumaraswamy insists the police were aware of the operation and that arrests should have been made; the police have not confirmed any arrests or a formal complaint.

Karnataka: Kumaraswamy challenges Shivakumar to probe sting operation

• No official investigation has been launched, and the identity of the person met at the hotel remains undisclosed.

The Hindu

Kumaraswamy continues to press for an SIT to examine the alleged sting operation and compel the CM to disclose the evidence he claims to hold. Shivakumar has indicated he will reveal details when “the time is right,” leaving the timing of any public disclosure uncertain.

Karnataka: Kumaraswamy challenges Shivakumar to probe sting operation