Yathindra Siddaramaiah Backs Karnataka Police Probe into Alleged Sting Operation, Demands Arrests

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra said his father had asked Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and Home Minister Priyank Kharge to ensure an effective investigation and bring everyone involved to justice, irrespective of their position or identity.

“Two persons, including a journalist, have been detained and questioned. My father has been briefed about the detention of the persons and the summoning of the media person for questioning. He has told the Chief Minister and the Home Minister that the investigation should be conducted effectively and that whoever is behind this must be arrested,” he said.

Yathindra said the government had confidence in the ongoing investigation and expected the police to conduct the probe transparently.

“We have faith in the investigation being conducted by our government. We expect the probe to be conducted transparently. At present, we believe the police investigating the matter are doing their job effectively. If the investigation is not conducted properly, we will demand a high-level probe,” he said.

Yathindra defends CM's wife over Dasara ritual

The minister also addressed the controversy surrounding the participation of the Chief Minister's wife in the Mysuru Dasara celebrations.

Defending her floral offering to Goddess Chamundeshwari during the Jamboo Savari procession, Yathindra said there was nothing inappropriate about the gesture, arguing that she had not undertaken any official government work.

He maintained that the offering did not constitute a breach of protocol and questioned the criticism directed at her participation in the religious ceremony.

Minister criticises police over Nandi Dhwaja puja restrictions

Yathindra also criticised the police for preventing ministers from attending the Nandi Dhwaja puja during the Mysuru Dasara festivities, alleging that the officer responsible had overstepped his authority.

“The police officer should not have prevented ministers from attending the Nandi Dhwaja puja. I do not know why an officer of the rank of IGP did this. The police have acted overboard in this matter,” he said.

He said the state government had ordered an inquiry into the incident and that the officer concerned would be required to explain the decision before the inquiry team.

According to Yathindra, Ministers H.C. Balakrishna and C. Puttarangasetty were also prevented from attending the ceremony. He said he intervened and facilitated their entry after speaking to Chief Minister Shivakumar.

The minister reiterated that the government would examine the circumstances surrounding the incident and that the officer would have to respond to the concerns raised during the inquiry.