CCB probe into fake Siddaramaiah sting video points to Kumaraswamy’s Delhi residence; two aides absconding

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy addresses a press conference on the alleged sting operation controversy involving former Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah on October 28, 2026 | Photo Credit: PTI The Central Crime Branch (CCB), probing the alleged sting operation video targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, is learnt to have found a link to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s official residence in New Delhi. Investigators have found that the mobile phone allegedly used to upload the fabricated sting video was handed over to the arrested accused, Ritesh Pandey, at Mr. Kumaraswamy’s official residence in the national capital.The investigation and interrogation of Ritesh Pandey have reportedly revealed that Prajwal Prasad, a former journalist who is currently working with Mr. Kumaraswamy’s IT team, and his associate Vinod Sharma allegedly assigned the task to Ritesh Pandey, a local freelance social media influencer.The CCB has also found that the mobile phone used for uploading the video was purchased in Karol Bagh, Delhi, specifically for the alleged operation. Investigators have further traced financial transactions between Prajwal Prasad and Ritesh Pandey, which are being examined as part of the probe.City police commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh said that notice has been issued to Prajwal Prasad and Vinod sharma who are presently absconding.”They have not replied to our notices, and according to our information, they have moved for anticipatory bail,” Mr. Singh said. “Crucial progress in this investigation can only take place once both individuals are secured and interrogated.”“Investigation found that the mobile phone used for uploading the video has been handed over to Ritesh by the duo at Mr. Kumaraswamy official residence in Delhi,” he saidRitesh Pandey was arrested for allegedly uploading the fabricated video, which purportedly showed a sting operation targeting Siddaramaiah. He is the only person arrested in the case so far, and his statement has been recorded by the investigators.The CCB has questioned several other persons in connection with the case, including Congress leader Kripa Alva and local news channel anchor Rakesh Shetty, as part of its efforts to establish the sequence of events and identify those behind the alleged operation.The investigation is continuing, with the police trying to trace the absconding suspects and establish the financial and digital links behind the circulation of the video.Mr. Singh stressed that Ritesh Pandey has repeatedly named Prajwal Prasad as the instigator behind procuring the device during questioning. However, the police maintained that these claims remain subject to verification.​”We are currently verifying all the statements and technical facts. The veracity of these claims will be confirmed once the remaining accused are apprehended and interrogated,” the Commissioner concluded Published - November 01, 2026 04:18 pm IST