HDK releases call details, questions CM’s role in pen drive circulation

Bengaluru: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on Monday alleged that Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar had a role in a conspiracy involving the circulation of the pen drive containing videos linked to former MP Prajwal Revanna. He claimed that Prajwal’s former driver Karthik, and not him, was responsible for distributing the pen drive.

Addressing a press conference, Kumaraswamy released what he described as call details and alleged that Karthik had visited Shivakumar’s residence on August 5 and 6, 2023. He questioned whether investigators had examined the circumstances surrounding these visits and whether the pen drive or its contents had been handled at the Deputy Chief Minister’s house.

Kumaraswamy alleged that Congress leaders had targeted his family after the JD(S) joined hands with the BJP. He claimed the alliance had upset the Congress leadership’s political calculations.

He also criticised the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s statement concerning the sting operation investigation, describing it as legally improper. Denying any connection with Rithesh Pandey, he asked where the latter had been arrested and challenged the police to establish any link with his Delhi residence through evidence.

The Union Minister accused the state government of trying to protect Chief Minister Siddaramaiah by giving him a clean chit while failing to investigate other allegations. He referred to Minister Yatindra Siddaramaiah’s remarks about the possible involvement of Congress members and asked why that angle had not received attention.

Kumaraswamy also questioned why the people allegedly behind the sting operation had approached the court. He said he was ready for any investigation and would not seek political protection. He warned that he would continue to expose what he described as selective investigation and political interference.