H. D. Kumaraswamy, Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, ended his protest outside the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office on Thursday. After receiving assurances from Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, Kumaraswamy warned that he would resume the agitation if action was not taken within two days against those involved in the sting operation targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Protest and Demands
Joining JDS leaders and supporters, Kumaraswamy staged a demonstration lasting about 90 minutes. Following a roughly 30-minute meeting with the police commissioner, he withdrew the protest. He insisted on police action against the perpetrators behind the sting operation and emphasized the need for the truth about their connections to be exposed.
Kumaraswamy stated, “After the commissioner’s assurances, I am giving them two days. The main person behind this has misused the media and carried out illegal activities, damaging the media’s reputation. That person has been seen associating with Chief Minister Shivkumar and is reportedly close to Randeep Singh Surjewala.”
Accusations and Arrests
Referring to a man seen in a photograph who is allegedly an assistant to a media professional involved in the case, Kumaraswamy said the individual has been arrested. He accused that person of trying to link him to the matter, demanding clarity about the relationship between the assistant and the primary accused.
He remarked, “The assistant to the media person shown in the photo has been taken into custody. Through him, attempts have been made to associate my name with this case. The truth about his connections with the main accused must come out.”
Kumaraswamy also criticized Home Minister Priyank Kharge for failing to conduct a proper investigation. He alleged that the minister and some police officials were trying to suppress the issue.
Earlier in the day, Kumaraswamy challenged the state government to investigate if any evidence exists against him or his party workers. He called for a fair inquiry under judicial supervision and rejected the need for a CBI probe. However, he insisted that the investigation be overseen by a sitting judge.
He said, “Mr. Shivkumar and Priyank Kharge, if you have the courage, get the investigation done by a retired judge. Do you think I will be scared? You said if there is suspicion, I would be taken into custody. Just try touching me, and the agitation will begin.”
Kumaraswamy accused the Congress government of misusing the police and administrative machinery for political ends. He warned that if no action was taken within two days, he would restart the protest movement.
