Bengaluru: The Bengaluru police investigation into the alleged sting video targeting Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has led to a new Delhi connection, with an arrested accused claiming that a mobile phone linked to the operation was delivered to Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s residence.
Ritesh Pandey, who was arrested in Delhi, allegedly told investigators that he purchased the phone from a shop in Karol Bagh along with Vinod Sharma, on the instructions of Prajwal Prasad, a member of Kumaraswamy’s social media team.
According to Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemanth Kumar Singh, the two men subsequently visited Kumaraswamy’s residence on Kushak Road in Delhi and handed the phone over to Prasad.
Singh clarified that the claims were based on Pandey’s statement and were being verified. Police have issued notices to Prasad and Sharma, but the two have not responded and are reportedly absconding. Investigators have also learnt that they have sought anticipatory bail.
Police are examining CCTV footage, technical intelligence and financial transactions between Prasad and Pandey to corroborate the account. The mobile phone allegedly used to record the video has also been recovered and seized for forensic examination.
Investigators are attempting to trace the video's journey from its alleged recording in 2023 to its circulation through anonymous social media accounts in September and October 2026. Police said the video was uploaded using VPNs, masked IP addresses and spoofed phone numbers.
In a statement issued on October 29, Bengaluru police said the sexual abuse allegations depicted in the video appeared to be part of a fabricated narrative. They said the individuals shown in the video had been identified and questioned, but the evidence gathered so far did not substantiate the allegations.
The video allegedly relates to an incident from 2011. Siddaramaiah has approached the court seeking an injunction against its publication and circulation and has also filed a police complaint.
The Chief Minister had named Kripa Alva, who was seeking a Congress ticket from Puttur, as allegedly being behind the operation. His son, Karnataka Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah, had also alleged the involvement of some Congress leaders.
Several people, including members of the JD(S) social media team, have been arrested in connection with the case. Kumaraswamy, meanwhile, has accused the police of targeting innocent party workers while allowing the alleged masterminds to go free.
Police have urged the public and media not to circulate unverified claims or draw premature conclusions as the investigation continues.