HD Kumaraswamy claims Hassan DC kept her post by paying bribe to district in-charge minister

According to Mr. Kumaraswamy, the conversation was about obtaining permission for three stone crushers. Photo: Special arrangement

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy alleged that Deputy Commissioner Hassan retained her post by paying ₹75 lakh to Excise Minister KM Shivalinga Gowda, who is also the minister in-charge of Hassan district.

Speaking to pressmen in Hassan on Sunday (November 8, 2026) after visiting the historic Hasanamba temple in Hassan, Mr Kumaraswamy read out excerpts from a written script of what he described as a WhatsApp conversation between an unknown person and Shashikiran, Hassan’s personal assistant to Deputy Commissioner. He said he received the content of the conversation from an official who had met him the previous night.

According to Mr. Kumaraswamy, the conversation was about obtaining permission for three stone crushers. The personal assistant reportedly demanded ₹60 lakh to get the permit. While the person on the other end was negotiating, Mr. Shashikiran is said to have given a list of people with whom the amount had to be shared.

Mr. Kumaraswamy said the interview also mentioned that Mr. Shivalinge Gowda wanted to transfer the acting Deputy Commissioner from Hassan. However, she reportedly managed to convince the minister by paying ₹75 lakh through Arsikere Tahsildar Santosh.

A script of the alleged interview was also distributed to journalists. Mr Kumaraswamy said it also refers to MP Hassan and several district officials.

He demanded an investigation into the allegations and called on the police to seize the person’s mobile phone for further investigation.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who also visited the temple on the same day, said the Deputy Commissioner was doing a good job. “However, there are charges against her because she did not give in to their demands,” he said.

DC’s answer

Hassan Deputy Commissioner KS Latha Kumari has denied the allegations leveled against her, saying she never did anything illegal. “I have done nothing wrong, I am doing nothing wrong and I will never do anything wrong,” she said.

Ms. Kumari said that if her personal assistant or anyone from his department sent any wrong message, appropriate action would be taken. She condemned the spread of “false and unfounded information”. “Let there be an investigation. Those who made a mistake should face prosecution,” she said.

She said a complaint would be lodged with the cyber police as spreading false information is a crime. “We will reveal the truth,” she added.

Published – 8 Nov 2026 16:13 IST