Full Breakdown
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah Targeted by Alleged Sting Video: Police Find Fabricated Narrative
By Drooid · · How we work
In this breakdown
01
Core Event – Alleged Sting Video and Police Findings
Bengaluru City Police announced that the viral video purporting to show sexual abuse involving former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah is “prima facie” a fabricated and deliberately constructed narrative. All persons appearing in the clip have been identified and questioned, many on multiple occasions, and the statements and evidence collected to date do not substantiate any alleged incident. Investigators are tracing the chain of possession from the original recording in 2023—purportedly about a 2011 episode—to its upload on social-media platforms in September-October 2026. The original mobile phone used for recording has been seized and sent for forensic analysis; the report is still pending.
02
Background & Context
The video was allegedly recorded in 2023, referencing an alleged incident from 2011 when Siddaramaiah was the state’s Leader of the Opposition. Siddaramaiah filed a police complaint on October 6 alleging that the clip was fabricated to blackmail him. The clip was uploaded to YouTube and X during September-October 2026 through anonymous accounts employing VPNs and spoofed phone numbers. Technical analysis linked the uploading device to a used-phone shop in Delhi, leading to the arrest of a suspect on October 24, 2026.
Visual evidence
Images from the story
03
Timeline
- October 6 – Siddaramaiah lodges complaint alleging fabrication.
- September 2026 – Video first uploaded to YouTube and X.
- October 13 – Police issue notices to two JD(S) social-media workers.
- October 23 – Managing director of Power TV, Rakesh Shetty, appears before police after obtaining anticipatory bail.
- October 24, 2026 – Accused linked to procurement of the uploading phone arrested in the National Capital Region.
- October 29 – Police issue press note stating the video is a fabricated narrative and that investigation is ongoing.
04
Official Statements & Responses
Bengaluru City Police emphasized that the evidence “prima facie indicates” the sexual-abuse claims are false and that the investigation is examining motives and possible coordinated attempts to malign Karnataka officials.
Siddaramaiah described the clip as “a false and fabricated story,” said he had obtained a court injunction to restrain its broadcast, and urged a fair probe. His son, Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, asserted that some Congress insiders appear in the video and called for an investigation into party involvement.
Union minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy accused the police of targeting JD(S) workers while shielding more influential individuals, warning that the investigation was creating an atmosphere of fear for party cadres.
Home Minister Priyank Kharge pledged that the inquiry would expose all involved and warned that failure to recover the recording devices before a charge sheet is filed could impede the case.
05
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Siddaramaiah and his son allege involvement of Congress members such as Kripa Alva, while police have not confirmed any political affiliation of the accused. JD(S) leaders claim the investigation is biased against their workers, yet no evidence has been presented linking them to the video’s creation. The forensic report on the seized phone, which could confirm authenticity, remains pending, leaving a key gap in establishing the video’s origin.
06
What’s Next
The forensic examination of the seized mobile phone is expected to determine the recording’s authenticity. Police have indicated that a charge sheet will be filed once the devices are recovered. Siddaramaiah plans to meet senior Congress leaders, including a possible discussion with Rahul Gandhi on November 1, to seek further political support while the legal proceedings continue.