Bengaluru, Oct 15 Karnataka Home Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday hit back at Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy over his allegations regarding a police investigation into purported sting operation videos targeting former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
He asserted that the police would follow established procedures and he did not need to learn from the JD(S) leader on how to conduct an investigation.
Kharge said a complaint had been received and the police were questioning people whose names had emerged during the investigation.
“We cannot respond to every allegation made by Kumaraswamy. A complaint has been received. Those suspected will be called for questioning. It could be you or someone else. If suspicion falls on Kumaraswamy tomorrow, he too may be called for questioning. We have not arrested anyone so far,” Kharge told reporters.
The minister said the investigation was being conducted in accordance with established protocols and questioned whether the investigation should follow Kumaraswamy’s suggestions.
Kumaraswamy has accused the Karnataka government of targeting JD(S) workers in connection with the “sting” operation, claiming that a party cadre was picked up for questioning without notice and held at an undisclosed location for several hours.
He also lashed out at Kharge and questioned why the government was not going after the real culprits.
Kharge challenged the union minister to share any information or evidence he claimed to possess regarding the alleged activities at a five-star hotel, instead of making repeated allegations in public.
“If he has information, let him give it to us. The investigation is on, and we are ready to investigate the information he provides. If he comes forward with evidence, we are ready to accept it,” he said.
The home minister also said Kumaraswamy could submit a written complaint or provide evidence before a court if he did not trust the police investigation.
“Who is stopping him? Let him give a complaint and provide evidence. If he does not trust us, he can place the evidence before a judge. Nobody has said he should not do so,” he said.
He maintained that the police could not be expected to investigate according to the wishes of any individual, adding that the police should be allowed to do their job.
Responding to a question on Kumaraswamy’s challenge to arrest him if the government had the courage, Kharge said, “Why should we arrest someone without a basis? Give us the evidence. If you have done something wrong and the evidence establishes it, I will certainly have you arrested.”
He also rejected allegations that the police were selectively summoning people or attempting to obtain statements during the court holidays, saying the questioning was part of the ongoing investigation. “We need not learn from Kumaraswamy…”
“First, he asked for an investigation. Now, when we are investigating and questioning people whose names have emerged, he is objecting to it. Let the police do their job,” Kharge said.
The minister said Kumaraswamy, a former chief minister, should understand how the state police system functions and act responsibly while making public statements.
Kharge further cautioned the union minister against personal attacks and remarks targeting him, saying he had so far refrained from responding in similar language out of respect for Kumaraswamy’s age and position.
“If this is the language he understands, I will also have to speak in the same language,” he said, while adding that he did not want to stoop to Kumaraswamy’s level.
Kharge reiterated that the government was open to examining any evidence submitted in connection with the complaint and urged Kumaraswamy to substantiate his allegations.
“Stop firing shots in the air. If you have evidence, provide it. We are investigating the matter. Come and give evidence,” he said.
Regarding Kumaraswamy meeting the police commissioner with his concerns over the investigation, Kharge said the union minister, like any other citizen, was free to file a complaint and submit evidence.
(PTI News)
