Sting video fabricated, circulated to malign individuals in Karnataka: Bengaluru police

The alleged sting video circulating on social media, which purportedly depicts sexual abuse, appears to be based on a fabricated narrative, and the evidence collected so far does not substantiate the incident portrayed in it, Bengaluru City Police stated on October 29.In a statement on the progress of the investigation, police said all individuals appearing in the video had been identified and extensively examined, some on multiple occasions.Their statements and the evidence gathered so far prima facie indicate that the allegations made or implied against individuals in the recording were false and concocted.Police said they were investigating the circumstances surrounding the creation, recording, possession, transfer, and dissemination of the video, which allegedly was recorded in 2023 in connection with an incident purportedly dating back to 2011.The original mobile phone allegedly used to record the video has been traced, recovered, and seized. It has been sent for forensic examination to establish the authenticity and integrity of the recording, and the report is awaited.Investigators are examining why the video was allegedly recorded nearly 12 years after the purported incident, the identities and roles of those involved, and their possible motives.Police are also investigating whether the recording was staged, fabricated, or manipulated to create a misleading narrative.Anonymous accounts used to upload videoThe technical investigation has established that the video was uploaded to multiple social media platforms, including YouTube and X, during September and October 2026.According to police, the uploads were made through anonymous accounts using digital concealment methods, including virtual private networks (VPNs), masked IP addresses, virtual and spoofed phone numbers, and other anonymisation techniques. Some digital traces were linked to locations outside Karnataka.Through technical analysis and examination of electronic evidence, investigators traced a mobile phone associated with the YouTube upload to a shop in Delhi dealing in used and refurbished devices. The individuals involved in procuring the device have been identified.One accused connected with the procurement of the mobile phone was arrested in the National Capital Region (NCR) on October 24, following due legal process.His examination has yielded several significant investigative leads, police said.Preliminary findings indicate that the accused appears to work as a freelance social media content creator, and may have associations with certain politically connected individuals based in New Delhi. The nature and relevance of these alleged associations are being investigated.Possible co-ordinated effort under scannerPolice said the investigation had uncovered leads suggesting that circulation of the video may have been part of a deliberate attempt to malign and discredit individuals holding positions of responsibility in Karnataka, influence public perception, and trigger political controversy, and public discord.The possibility of a co-ordinated effort involving multiple individuals in planning, facilitating, uploading, or amplifying the video with malicious intent is also being examined.Certain individuals have been identified for further examination, and notices have been issued to them in accordance with the law. Police have withheld their identities at this stage to protect the investigation, prevent interference with evidence, and avoid prejudicing further proceedings.Appealing for restraint, police urged people, media organisations, and social media users not to amplify unverified allegations, or draw premature conclusions that could mislead people, or prejudice the ongoing investigation.The police are trying to establish the facts, identify those responsible for criminal wrongdoing, if any, and bring them to justice.