News Desk: A woman featured in a purported sting video targeting Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has told investigators that she never met him and made the recorded statements in 2023 at the direction of a group, according to police officials.
The Central Crime Branch (CCB), which is investigating the case following a complaint by Siddaramaiah, confirmed that the woman reiterated she had no personal interaction with the chief minister. She also told investigators that she had met Rakesh Shetty, managing director of Power TV, and Kripa Alva, both of whom have been questioned in connection with the case.
The police registered the case on October 6 after Siddaramaiah alleged that individuals linked to a YouTube channel had fabricated the video to blackmail him and damage his political reputation.
The investigation is being led by a team headed by Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime) Raja Imam Kasim P. Investigators are examining how the footage was recorded, who uploaded it and whether it was circulated as part of an alleged attempt to malign the chief minister.
Key devices yet to be recovered
A major challenge for investigators is the recovery of the camera and mobile phones allegedly used to record and upload the video. Police have obtained the IMEI numbers of the handsets but have yet to recover the devices.
An investigating officer said recovering the equipment was important to establishing the sequence of events. The absence of these devices could complicate the investigation before a chargesheet is filed in court.
Police have also questioned Ritesh Pandey, a Delhi-based man who was arrested on allegations that he uploaded the video on the instructions of a person associated with the social media team of the Janata Dal (Secular). Pandey was subsequently granted bail.
Shetty, who secured anticipatory bail on October 23, appeared before investigators to record his statement. Alva reportedly told police that she had joined Shetty after he said he wanted to expose certain people.
Siddaramaiah calls video fabricated
Siddaramaiah has consistently dismissed the footage as false and fabricated, alleging that it was intended to blackmail him and tarnish his reputation. He has called for an impartial investigation into the matter.
On Tuesday, he said he had discussed the controversy with Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal and indicated that he might meet senior party leader Rahul Gandhi during a visit to New Delhi on November 1.
The controversy comes amid political tensions in Karnataka following changes in the state's leadership. Siddaramaiah stepped down as chief minister in May, following directions from the Congress leadership to make way for DK Shivakumar, according to the report.
The CCB is continuing its investigation into the people involved in recording and circulating the video. Police have not yet completed the probe, and the allegations remain subject to investigation.
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