Media consultant at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s office appears before Bengaluru CCB in ‘sting video’ case

In a viral video, allegations were purportedly levelled against former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah

Prajwal Prasad, a media consultant associated with Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy’s office, 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 appeared at the CCB headquarters in response to a notice issued by investigators. He had earlier reportedly been absconding and later secured interim anticipatory bail.

According to the police, Ritesh Pandey, arrested by the CCB 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. He also claimed that the handset was handed over to Mr. Prasad at Mr. Kumaraswamy’s official residence in New Delhi.

The Bengaluru police have described the viral video, in which allegations were purportedly levelled against Mr. Siddaramaiah, as an orchestrated and fabricated narrative. Statements recorded from individuals featured in the videos reportedly failed to substantiate the allegations.

The CCB is questioning Mr. Prasad to establish the planning and funding behind the operation, the circumstances in which the video was produced and circulated, and whether other political figures or social media operatives were involved.