Attempt Was Made to Trap Me Through Sting Operation After Becoming CM: Shivakumar

Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday claimed that an attempt was made to trap him through a sting operation after he assumed office and said he had photographs and documents to substantiate his allegations.

Speaking to reporters in Delhi, Shivakumar said several people had approached him after he became Chief Minister and claimed that he was aware of the individuals behind the alleged sting operations.

“An attempt was made to trap me after I became the Chief Minister. A few people approached me. I have photographs. I know who the father of these sting operations is,” he said.

Shivakumar said he had informed the police about the developments and retained documents relating to people who allegedly approached him.

“I know all of them. I have informed the police and kept all the documents regarding certain persons approaching me after I became the Chief Minister,” he said.

While declining to disclose all details, the Chief Minister claimed he knew how the individuals approached him, whom they met and who was allegedly coordinating the operation.

“They came to discuss some matter. How they came and approached me, who they met, I know every detail. Who is planning all of this, I know,” he said.

Shivakumar also cautioned government officials to remain vigilant, saying officers could be unnecessarily caught in such operations.

“I do not want to answer to other persons. I have asked my officers to be careful, as our officers are trapped unnecessarily. So, I have given a word of caution,” he said.

He further claimed that three circles of people surrounded him and alleged that some individuals had been hired as part of the alleged operation.

“I have three circles around me. They have hired some people. A few leaders have done it, and I have exact information,” Shivakumar said.

The Chief Minister alleged that he had been deliberately targeted to initiate a wider campaign of sting operations.

“They have targeted me, and they want to start the sting operations from me. I have all the proof to prove it. I do not speak just like that. I have all the proof. I am talking about targeting me after I became the Chief Minister,” he said.

Shivakumar also claimed that similar operations were being conducted against others and alleged that he knew who was behind them and who was financing them.

The issue of alleged sting operations targeting Congress ministers came into focus after Shivakumar reportedly expressed apprehension at a Cabinet meeting that the BJP and JD(S) could target ministers through such operations.

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy on Wednesday questioned Shivakumar over the alleged operations, saying the Chief Minister himself had cautioned his Cabinet colleagues about their movements and interactions.

Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra alleged that the Congress had a history of conducting sting operations and using them to blackmail people, while Leader of Opposition in the Karnataka Assembly R. Ashoka claimed Shivakumar was concerned because of his alleged past involvement in such activities.

The allegations and counter-allegations remain claims by the respective political leaders, with no independent findings establishing the alleged sting operation or its alleged organisers and financiers.