Sting video fabricated, says Bengaluru CCB  

Siddaramaiah questions probe; unhappy over accused getting bail

Mysuru: The Central Crime Branch (CCB), Bengaluru, has given a clean chit to former CM Siddaramaiah in the alleged sting operation case, stating that the video circulated on social media with allegations of sexual harassment appeared to be fabricated.

Bengaluru City Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said the video appeared to have been deliberately staged and investigation had so far found no evidence to support the claims.

The findings suggested that the video could have been part of a coordinated attempt to malign individuals holding responsible positions in Karnataka, he said. He said the statements recorded and evidence collected so far did not establish that any incident had taken place in the manner depicted in the video.

Mobile phone seized

Police said the mobile phone used to record the video had been seized and sent for forensic examination to establish the authenticity and integrity of the recording. The report was awaited.

The video was allegedly recorded in 2023 in connection with an incident said to have occurred in 2011. Police are investigating why the recording was made nearly 12 years after the incident and whether the video was deliberately staged or fabricated.

According to the Police, anonymous social media accounts were used to upload the video, with sophisticated digital concealment methods. Through technical analysis and examination of electronic evidence, investigators traced the mobile phone used for social media upload to a shop in Delhi dealing in used and refurbished devices. Those involved in procuring the phone have also been identified.

One of the accused in connection with the procurement of the phone was arrested in the National Capital Region (NCR) on Oct. 24. During questioning, it came to light that the accused worked as a freelance social media content creator and may have links with certain politically influential individuals in Delhi.

Truth has prevailed: Dr. Yathindra

Reacting to the CCB findings, District Minister Dr. Yathindra Siddaramaiah said truth had prevailed in the case involving his father. “Those responsible for recording the video have admitted that it was fake. Everyone involved in circulating it, irrespective of whether they are connected to a Minister in Delhi, should be brought to justice,” he said.

Siddaramaiah unhappy

However, Siddaramaiah is reportedly unhappy with the way the investigation has progressed.

According to sources, he took exception to the fact that the person arrested in Delhi and brought to Bengaluru was granted bail the next day. He was also upset that Rakesh Shetty, who had allegedly admitted to recording the video, was let off after being brought to Bengaluru from Mysuru.

Sources further said Siddaramaiah expressed displeasure over the Police not taking action against Congress leader Kripa Alva, who is alleged to have featured in the video as part of an attempt to blackmail him for a party ticket to contest from the Puttur Assembly Constituency.