Full Breakdown
The Alleged INR600-Crore Plot and Sting-Operation Row: A Karnataka Political Feud
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Event
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, a senior Janata Dal (Secular) leader, has accused Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar of orchestrating a INR600-crore “supari” (contract-killing) scheme targeting the family of former Prime Minister H.D. Deve Gowda. Kumaraswamy also alleged that the state government is shielding the perpetrators of a 2023 sting-operation video that targeted former Congress chief minister Siddaramaiah, while harassing JD(S) workers. Shivakumar denied the claim and said he was the intended victim of an attempted sting using “Meta” smart glasses, a device he says was also used in a similar attempt on Kerala chief minister V.D. Satheesan.
Background & Context
The rivalry between the Vokkaliga leaders dates to the 1980s, when Shivakumar first contested against JD(S) patriarch Deve Gowda. After a brief 2018-19 coalition, the parties have remained arch-rivals. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, leads JD(S) in Karnataka; Shivakumar heads the state’s Congress-led government. Both have used the controversy to mobilise supporters ahead of the 2028 assembly polls.
Data & Statistics
- Alleged contract-killing scheme: INR600 crore.
- Sting video recorded in 2023, resurfaced in 2026.
- KPSC recruitment scandal: question-paper leak for a veterinary officer exam on Jan 8-9 2026, selection list announced July 17 2026.
- CID links the leak to middleman Basavaraj Kannale (arrested Aug 30) and IAS officer Gyanendra Kumar Gangwar (arrested Aug 29).
Official Statements & Responses
- H.D. Kumaraswamy: Shivakumar ordered the INR600-crore plot and is protecting the sting-operation’s mastermind while harassing JD(S) workers; he gave a five-day deadline for investigative action.
- D.K. Shivakumar: Denied involvement, stating he was the target of an attempted recording with Meta glasses and that precautionary measures are in place.
- Home Minister Priyank Kharge: Promised “all involved will be exposed” and said a statement will be delivered on Oct 24.
- Former chief minister Siddaramaiah: Called the sting video a fabricated blackmail attempt and filed a civil-court injunction on Oct 14 to curb its circulation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “It is none other than the incumbent Chief Minister who ordered that our family be finished off. This Chief Minister has hatched several conspiracies to finish off our family. One among them is the INR600-crore supari (contract killing) deal. There is no doubt whatsoever that he has committed this act. There is absolutely no doubt,” — H.D. Kumaraswamy
- “He wore the Meta glasses only when he came to VD Satheesan and me,” — D.K. Shivakumar
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- No independent forensic verification of the Meta-glass claim has been released.
- CID’s chargesheet on the KPSC paper-leak is due by Nov 26, with the final outcome pending.
What’s Next
- Kumaraswamy’s five-day deadline for progress on the sting-operation probe.
- CID to file its chargesheet on the KPSC exam irregularities by Nov 26.
- Home Minister Kharge’s exposé slated for Oct 24, after which further legal or administrative actions may follow.
The feud highlights a contest for political dominance in Karnataka, with both leaders leveraging allegations of criminal conspiracies to rally supporters and pressure the opposing administration.