India
Police Probe Claims ‘Victim’ in Sting Video Never Met Siddaramaiah
The woman who appeared in the alleged sting video targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has told police that she never met the Congress leader and that her statements were made under instructions from others. The Central Crime Branch of Bengaluru City police is investigating after Siddaramaiah filed a complaint on October 6 over the video’s circulation. He said the video was fabricated to blackmail him and damage his reputation. An officer in the probe said the woman was approached in 2023 by a group that paid her and coached her on what to say. She confirmed she had never met Siddaramaiah but was aware of his position as chief minister. She admitted meeting Rakesh Shetty, the Power TV managing director, and Kripa Alva, a Congress leader and former Karnataka Child Rights Commission chief. Deputy Commissioner of Police (Crime 2) Raja Imam Kasim P, heading the investigation, declined to comment, citing that the probe is ongoing. Siddaramaiah’s complaint alleges that the YouTube channel Karnataka Honey Trap, whose creators are unknown, distributed a fake sting video shot in 2023 by Rakesh Shetty and others. The FIR, filed on 27‑09‑2026, accuses the channel of making false, malicious allegations, secretly filming a clandestine video, publishing it on YouTube, and causing damage to the complainant’s public honour and life. Rakesh Shetty has been granted anticipatory bail on October 23 and has appeared before police multiple times to record statements. Congress spokesperson Kripa Alva, who is said to appear in the video with Shetty, has also appeared before police. She stated she was unaware that the video was being recorded and did not know the woman, but said she joined Shetty after he told her he wanted to expose some people. Police officials said they will call the parties involved to record statements in the future and noted many unanswered questions, given that the purported video dates from 2023, before the Karnataka Assembly elections. On October 23, Siddaramaiah accused Alva and Shetty of orchestrating the sting operation, calling the allegations false and a blackmail attempt. He urged the investigation to uncover the conspiracy. Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader H D Kumaraswamy has demanded a CBI investigation into the case.
Frequently asked questions
Who is the woman involved in the alleged sting video?
She is a woman who said she was approached in 2023 by a group that paid her and coached her on what to say; she never met Siddaramaiah but met Rakesh Shetty and Kripa Alva.
What did Siddaramaiah file a complaint about?
He filed a complaint on October 6 alleging the video was fabricated to blackmail him and damage his reputation; the FIR was filed on 27‑09‑2026.
Who are the alleged orchestrators of the sting operation?
The complaint alleges that Rakesh Shetty, the Power TV managing director, and Kripa Alva, a Congress leader and former Karnataka Child Rights Commission chief, orchestrated the sting.