Police Commissioner says CCB probe into ‘sting video’ points to HDK’s residence in Delhi

HD Kumaraswamy | Photo credit: File Photo

The Central Crime Branch (CCB), which is probing the alleged stabbing video targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, has found a link to Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy’s official residence in New Delhi. Investigators found that the cellphone allegedly used to record the fabricated video of the stabbing was handed over to arrested accused Ritesh Pandey at Mr. Kumaraswamy’s official residence in the state capital, Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh said.

According to him, the investigation and interrogation of Ritesh Pandey revealed that Prajwal Prasad, a former journalist who is currently working with Mr. Kumaraswamy’s IT social media team, and his associate Vinod Sharma allegedly assigned the task to Ritesh Pandey, a local independent social media influencer.

The CCB also found that the mobile phone used to record the video was purchased in Karol Bagh, Delhi, specifically for the alleged operation. Investigators have further traced financial transactions between Prajwal Prasad and Ritesh Pandey, which are being scrutinized as part of the investigation, Mr. Singh said.

Mr. Singh said a notice has been issued against Prajwal Prasad and Vinod Sharma, who are currently absconding.

“They have not responded to our notices and as per our information have applied for anticipatory bail,” Mr Singh said, adding: “Substantial progress in this investigation can only be made after both individuals are taken into custody and questioned.”

“Investigations have found that the mobile phone used to record the video was handed over to Ritesh by the duo at Mr. Kumaraswamy’s official residence in Delhi,” he said.

Ritesh Pandey was arrested for allegedly uploading a fabricated video purportedly showing a “hit operation” targeting Mr. Siddaramaiah. He is the only detainee in the case so far, and the investigators have recorded his statement.

The CCB has questioned several other people in connection with the case, including Congress leader Kripa Alva and local news anchor Rakesh Shetty, in its efforts to establish the sequence of events and identify those behind the alleged operation.

The investigation is ongoing and police are trying to track down the fugitive suspects and establish the financial and digital connections behind the video’s distribution.

Mr. Singh pointed out that Ritesh Pandey repeatedly named Prajwal Prasad as the instigator behind the acquisition of the device during interrogation. However, police insisted the claims remained under investigation. “We are currently reviewing all claims and technical facts. The veracity of these claims will be confirmed when the remaining allegations are apprehended and heard,” he concluded.

This is the first time that the city police chief has taken Mr. Kumaraswamy’s name, suggesting that there is a possibility of further investigations that could lead to him.

Published – 01 Nov 2026 16:18 IST