Kalaburagi, Nov 2026 : Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge has said that investigators have uncovered technical evidence and important documents in the alleged sting operation case, asserting that legal action would be taken against anyone found involved, regardless of their influence or position.
Kharge’s remarks on Sunday came after Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said investigators had found evidence suggesting that a mobile phone was exchanged at the residence of Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy in connection with the case.
Speaking to reporters in Kalaburagi, Kharge said the investigation was continuing and that several significant aspects had already emerged. He added that more facts would come to light as the probe progressed.
The Home Minister said people holding public office should uphold the dignity of their positions and avoid personal attacks, derogatory references to caste or family, and disrespectful language. He expressed displeasure over statements made by Kumaraswamy.
Kharge said technical examination during the investigation had revealed important details. He recalled that Kumaraswamy had earlier staged a protest outside the Police Commissioner’s office after his name reportedly surfaced during the probe and had also taken out a march to the Director General of Police’s office.
According to Kharge, investigators were examining how the case originated and who had allegedly orchestrated it. He said the FIR contained specific references to the publicity campaign surrounding the operation and those suspected of working behind it.
The Minister alleged that some people who had worked with Kumaraswamy, along with his close associates, had not appeared for questioning. He questioned why Kumaraswamy had not asked them to cooperate with investigators.
Kharge further said that after one person was apprehended in connection with the case, another individual was traced to Delhi. He said CCTV footage related to the matter was available and investigators were examining where the equipment used in the operation had been purchased and whose instructions had led to its deployment.
He claimed that, according to information available to investigators, three individuals—including two from Delhi—had officially worked with Kumaraswamy. Hardware and other technical evidence had also been recovered, he said.
‘Investigation is far from over’
Accusing Kumaraswamy of engaging in what he described as “dirty politics” against Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, the Karnataka Home Minister said the investigation was still at an early stage.
“This is just the trailer; the movie is yet to come,” Priyank Kharge remarked.
He also alleged that derogatory remarks had been made against his caste and his father, Mallikarjun Kharge. Taking aim at the Union Minister, he said Kumaraswamy, who frequently made allegations against others, should exercise “basic common sense”.
Kharge asserted that further action would be based on the documents and evidence collected during the investigation. He said anyone found to have played a role in the alleged operation—including Kumaraswamy’s associates and supporters—would face legal action.
Responding to allegations that he was behind the investigation, the Home Minister challenged those making such claims to produce evidence to substantiate them.
He said he was not disclosing all details because he wanted to maintain the confidentiality of the ongoing probe. Some documents were yet to be obtained, he added.
“Truth cannot be hidden for long, just like the sun and the moon. It will come out sooner or later,” Kharge said, asserting that investigators had uncovered strong preliminary evidence.
He added that those genuinely concerned about the investigation should focus on the evidence rather than making allegations.
Kharge said all individuals against whom suspicions had been raised were being investigated and that further details would emerge after the next phase of the probe.
The allegations and claims regarding the evidence were made by the Home Minister and police officials as the investigation continues.
