00:00I want to turn from there to Karnataka, where the alleged fake sting operation targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Sidhara
00:07Maya has triggered a fresh political storm, with Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy at the centre of the controversy.
00:14The Bengaluru Police Commissioner claims a suspect told investigators that a mobile phone used in the sting was allegedly handed
00:22over at Kumaraswamy's Delhi residence.
00:24Pulif has issued notices to two suspects examining CCTV footage. Kumaraswamy denies the allegations, says it's a bid to malign
00:34his reputation.
00:35Take a look at the latest battle in Karnataka.
00:43The probe into the alleged fake sting operation against former Karnataka Chief Minister Sidhara Maya has shaken Karnataka politics
00:52and reached the doorstep of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy.
01:00The Bengaluru Police Commissioner, citing the testimony of arrested suspect Ritesh Pandey,
01:06claimed a phone used in the sting was allegedly handed over at the minister's residence in Delhi.
01:13The Commissioner, however, clarified that these statements are being made by the accused and are yet to be verified.
01:22The teams have found that he, along with one Mr. Vinod Sharma,
01:28had gone to a market in Karolbagh, to a shop in Karolbagh,
01:33where they have purchased a mobile set.
01:35And this particular set was handed over back to, was handed over to one Prajal Prasad
01:42in the official residence of Shri S.D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister.
01:51The police claims have escalated the political confrontation.
01:57In this investigation, present government, they are pressurizing the inquiry officers.
02:05With transparency, you must conduct an inquiry.
02:08That is my demand.
02:09Truth should come out.
02:12That should be the attitude.
02:14The police commissioner of Bengaluru has mentioned Kumaraswamy name in that.
02:22Is it not a target?
02:26The Congress Party has hit back with State Home Minister Priyank Khadage,
02:32making it clear that the Union Minister is not above the law.
02:38We are not interested in touching him.
02:41If there is no evidence against him, why will we want to call him?
02:46But even if there is a shred of evidence against him, we will summon him.
02:50We will not hesitate.
02:52Defending the investigation, Priyank Khadage claimed the state police had received appreciation
02:57from the center for its investigation into the Prajwal Ravanna case,
03:02when Devagoda's grandson was accused of sexual assault.
03:09Let us do our job.
03:11Mr. Amit Shah and Mr. Modi have given us a pat on the back,
03:14saying Karnataka police does a very good job of investigating.
03:19So we will be getting a medal soon for this also, don't worry.
03:22As the probe continues, and still two more accused to be questioned in the entire case,
03:27will there be a logical hand or will it trigger yet another political confrontation in the state?
03:34With the Radio Journal of Shiv Murthy, Saghairaz reporting for India Today, Bengaluru.
