Siddarth Sethia
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has lodged a complaint with Bengaluru City Police Commissioner seeking an impartial investigation into a sting operation video circulating on YouTube and other social media platforms.
He has also approached a Bengaluru civil and sessions court seeking an injunction restraining media organisations and social media platforms from publishing or broadcasting the video.
Siddaramaiah confirmed filing the police complaint in a post on X,alleging that his name was being linked to the video as part of a politically motivated campaign aimed at damaging his reputation.
“I have noticed that my name is being linked to a sting operation video circulating on various social media platforms,and a campaign of misinformation is being carried out against me.This appears to be a politically motivated attempt to tarnish my image,”he said.
Claiming that he had no connection with the sting operation video,Siddaramaiah alleged that certain miscreants were using it to spread false information about him.
He said he had approached the court seeking an order restraining newspapers,television channels and social media platforms from publishing or broadcasting the video containing references to him.
“My conscience knows that I am completely innocent in this matter. I am confident that the people of Karnataka, who are familiar with my five decades of political life, also know this,”he said.
Siddaramaiah said that in the age of modern technology, it had become easy to project falsehoods as truth.He maintained that his decision to approach the court was a precautionary measure and not driven by fear.
“I have always supported freedom of expression and have never obstructed the media’s freedom during my political career.
However,the misuse of freedom of expression by certain media organisations has compelled me to seek relief through the court,”he said.
The sting operation video has been circulating on social media for several days.
Former Chief Minister H.D.Kumaraswamy has repeatedly referred to its contents,while the Nija Horatagarara Vedike has also approached the Karnataka High Court seeking a judicial inquiry into the allegations reportedly contained in the video.
Siddaramaiah expressed confidence that an impartial police investigation would bring out the truth.He appealed to the media and the public not to circulate what he described as false information until the facts are established.“Ultimately,
