Bengaluru, 01 Nov (H.S.):

Bengaluru police are examining an accused’s claim that a mobile phone used to upload a video linked to the alleged sting operation against former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was handed over at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s residence.

City Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh told reporters that accused Ritesh Pandey had stayed at Kumaraswamy’s residence. Investigators were looking into a mobile phone handover during that period and allegations that the video was uploaded on Prajwal Prasad’s instructions, he said.

According to the commissioner, Pandey and Vinod Sharma purchased the handset in Delhi on September 26. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) subsequently traced the purchase as part of its investigation into how the video was uploaded.

Singh said the phone did not contain a SIM card when the video was uploaded. Despite this, investigators established the chain through which the device had been purchased and passed on.

Police also found financial transactions between Pandey and Prasad. During questioning, Pandey allegedly said he bought the handset at Prasad’s direction and delivered it to the Union minister’s residence after being asked to come there.

The CCB is verifying this account and has issued a notice asking Prasad to appear for questioning. His statement is expected to help investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the purchase, delivery and use of the handset.

Depending on the findings, investigators may examine Kumaraswamy’s residence as part of the inquiry. No decision on such an inspection was confirmed in the account provided.

The commissioner’s remarks bring the Union minister’s residence into the publicly described sequence of events surrounding the case. However, the allegations concerning the phone’s delivery remain under verification. The information disclosed does not establish that Kumaraswamy directed the alleged operation or knew about the handset’s use. Further investigative steps will depend on corroboration of the accused’s statement.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman