Siddaramaiah 'sting video' case: Kumaraswamy office consultant questioned by CCB
Prajwal Prasad, a media consultant associated with the office of Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy, appeared before the Bengaluru Central Crime Branch (CCB) on Tuesday for questioning in connection with the alleged fabrication and circulation of a 'sting video' targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Mr. Prasad presented himself at the CCB headquarters after investigators issued him a notice. He had earlier reportedly been untraceable and subsequently secured interim anticipatory bail, a form of interim protection that prevents arrest for a specified period while a plea is heard.
According to the police, Ritesh Pandey, arrested on the charge of uploading the video on the internet, stated during interrogation that Mr. Prasad had instructed him to purchase a specific mobile phone allegedly used in the operation. Mr. Pandey also claimed that the handset was handed over to Mr. Prasad at Mr. Kumaraswamy's official residence in New Delhi. These are claims recorded by investigators in the course of interrogation and have not been tested in court.
The police have described the widely circulated video, in which allegations were purportedly levelled against Mr. Siddaramaiah, as an orchestrated and fabricated narrative. Investigators say statements recorded from the individuals featured in the videos did not substantiate the allegations made in them.
A 'sting video' refers to footage recorded covertly, usually with a hidden camera, and is often presented as evidence of wrongdoing. Its authenticity, context and manner of production are matters that investigating agencies and courts are expected to examine.
The CCB is questioning Mr. Prasad to establish how the operation was planned and funded, the circumstances in which the video was produced and circulated, and whether other political figures or social media operatives were involved. The police have not made public the details of what he told investigators.
The case has drawn attention in Karnataka because of Mr. Prasad's association with the office of a Union Minister. Mr. Kumaraswamy heads the Janata Dal (Secular), a partner in the National Democratic Alliance, while Mr. Siddaramaiah belongs to the Congress, which leads the State government. The political overlap has made the investigation closely watched, though the police have so far not attributed motive to any individual or party.
Questioning during an investigation does not establish guilt. Mr. Prasad, Mr. Pandey and others connected to the case retain the right to defend themselves, and any conclusions must rest on evidence placed before a court rather than on statements recorded during interrogation.
Allegations of manipulated audio and video material circulating on social media have become a recurring feature of political contests in Karnataka, as elsewhere in the country. Such material spreads quickly, and its correction is often slower. Investigators handling this case will need to show, with documentary and forensic evidence, both how the video was made and who arranged for its circulation.
What happens next is likely to be a test of how carefully such disputes are examined. The CCB is expected to record further statements, examine digital devices and communication records, and decide whether the evidence supports charges against any of those named so far.
