Sting Operation Case: Prajwal Prasad Appears Before Bengaluru CCB for Questioning

The CCB had issued a notice to Prasad over allegations that he handed a mobile phone to content creator Ritesh Kumar Pandey at Kumaraswamy's official residence in New Delhi. Prasad, who has secured interim bail from a court, appeared before investigating officers on Tuesday morning.

Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh had earlier said that the mobile phone allegedly used to upload the sting operation video was purchased in Delhi and brought to Kumaraswamy's official residence on Kushak Road.

Police probe focuses on mobile phone exchange

According to the police investigation, Pandey, who was arrested in New Delhi by Bengaluru City Police, disclosed that he had purchased the device in Karol Bagh along with Vinod Sharma. The purchase was allegedly made on the instructions of Prasad, who is said to be associated with Kumaraswamy's social media team.

The phone was subsequently taken to the Union Minister's official residence, where it was allegedly handed over to Prasad.

Investigators are examining the circumstances surrounding the exchange of the device and financial transactions that reportedly took place after Pandey purchased it. Police expect Prasad's questioning to shed further light on how the video was uploaded and circulated.

Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said the investigators were seeking clarity on the financial dealings and the transfer of the mobile phone between the individuals involved.

BJP questions handling of investigation

Meanwhile, BJP state president and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra accused Congress leaders of unnecessarily politicising the controversy, describing their response as a "hit-wicket" situation.

Vijayendra questioned who had conducted the sting operation and what motivated it, alleging that these aspects had not been adequately examined during the investigation.

He also criticised Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar, claiming that the latter was unsettled by the outcome of the recent Legislative Council elections and should pay attention to public sentiment.

Referring to the upcoming by-election in Hiriyur, the BJP leader said voters were aware of the developments and would express their views through their electoral verdict.