HDK accuses Shivakumar of surveillances demands CBI probe into sting operations

Bengaluru: Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy has criticised the emergence of the sting operation and CD culture controversy in Karnataka, saying it was a disturbing development at a time when the State should be focusing on drought, drinking water shortages and the problems faced by sugarcane farmers.

Addressing a press conference at J P Bhavan, Kumaraswamy made several serious allegations regarding the ongoing political developments in the State. Accusing Chief Minister D K Shivakumar of surveillance, Kumaraswamy alleged that four retired police officers had been engaged at a house in Sadashivanagar after Shivakumar became Chief Minister. He claimed that sophisticated equipment was being used to gather information about Cabinet colleagues and tap phone calls.

“Phones belonging to ministers, Opposition leaders and even my staff are being tapped. There is a separate team working to trap people,” he alleged, referring to information he said was available to him. Kumaraswamy accused Shivakumar of encouraging the sting operation culture in the State. Referring to the Ramesh Jarkiholi controversy and the allegations involving Congress MLA K N Rajanna, he questioned whether the present developments were the outcome of Shivakumar’s own political methods. Referring to the pen-drive controversy during the Hassan and Mandya Lok Sabha elections, Kumaraswamy alleged that the material had been prepared and circulated two days before polling. He also claimed that conversations involving Devarajegowda and Shivaram Gowda pointed to an alleged plan to damage the Deve Gowda family’s reputation.

Addressing former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Kumaraswamy said he understood his predicament but urged him not to seek protection through a court stay. He asked Siddaramaiah to stand firm and put an end to the sting operation culture.

Kumaraswamy demanded that the case be handed over to the CBI to identify those behind the alleged network. He said he had sought an appointment with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and would personally request a CBI investigation.

Congress MLA Tanveer Sait said those responsible for wrongdoing must face punishment, but challenged those making claims about sting operations to release supporting evidence. “Those who are speaking about sting operations should release the evidence. Concealing the truth is also an offence. What is the point of making statements and creating confusion without producing proof?” he asked.

Sait said the government should take the matter seriously and order an investigation if evidence was available. He condemned the use of sting operations to allegedly damage the reputations of political leaders for personal or political gain.

Another Congress MLA, K.N. Rajanna, also urged the Chief Minister to order an inquiry to clear the confusion surrounding the issue. Rajanna said he too had faced an alleged attempt to trap him and pointed out that security cameras were installed at his official residence. Since the Chief Minister himself had raised the issue, Rajanna said, he should take responsibility for ensuring that the allegations were investigated and brought to a conclusion.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

The Hans India