Congress Insiders Involved in Alleged Sting Video, Says Yathindra Siddaramaiah
Karnataka Urban Development Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah has alleged that individuals within his own party, the Congress, were involved in a purported sting operation designed to defame his father, former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah.
Both Siddaramaiah and Yathindra spoke publicly for the first time regarding the video from 2023, describing it as concocted and intended to destroy legacy and blackmail leadership. The remarks come as a local court in Bengaluru granted interim bail to Power TV Managing Director Rakesh Shetty in connection with the case.
Interim Bail for Media Executive
Power TV MD Rakesh Shetty sought anticipatory bail on Thursday following a notice served by the Bengaluru cybercrime police directing him to appear for questioning. The police action stems from a formal complaint filed by Siddaramaiah on October 6 concerning the video circulated on social media.
During court proceedings, legal counsel representing Shetty argued that the media executive was not the owner, creator, or administrator of the YouTube channel where the video was uploaded on September 27. Counsel stated that the channel is maintained and operated by another individual.
Siddaramaiah previously obtained an injunction from a civil court restraining media outlets and digital platforms from airing, telecasting, or circulating the contested content.
Claims of Political Misinformation and Blackmail
Addressing reporters, Siddaramaiah described the sting operation as a completely fabricated story created for blackmail purposes. He noted that the video featured Power TV MD Rakesh Shetty alongside a woman from Mangaluru.
According to Siddaramaiah, Shetty had admitted that the sting operation was false. Siddaramaiah added that while he learned of the video on September 27 when it went viral, he remains undisturbed by what he termed false propaganda. He stated that only a thorough police investigation can establish whether party insiders or external political figures orchestrated the event.
Party Worker Involvement Alleged
Providing further details, Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah indicated that the woman featured in the video was a Congress worker seeking an election ticket for the Puttur Assembly constituency during the 2023 polls. He stated that a prima facie viewing of the footage suggests the sting was arranged to assist her in securing the nomination.
Yathindra stated that while the involvement of a party worker does not signal widespread opposition within the Congress, the footage itself demonstrates party links. He expressed confidence in the ongoing police investigation, stating that a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is not required at this stage unless the current probe proves inadequate.
