Pramesh S Jain
The Janata Dal (Secular) has petitioned the Karnataka Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP),demanding a high-level Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into a controversial sting video circulating on social media and alleging that it was edited and misused to target political leaders and facilitate alleged blackmail and extortion.
In its representation dated October 17,the JD(S) leaders have sought the arrest and prosecution of those allegedly involved in secretly recording,manipulating and exploiting the video. 
The complaint names Rakesh Shetty,described in the petition as the owner and anchor of Power TV,and calls for an investigation into the alleged political conspiracy behind the video.
The petition alleges that the woman featured in the video was recorded without her knowledge or consent, raising concerns over her privacy,dignity and safety. According to the JD(S),the woman is heard making serious allegations that a prominent political leader had exploited her sexually.
The party has alleged that,instead of reporting the claims to the appropriate authorities and allowing the law to take its course,the video was allegedly withheld and used for publicity and political purposes.
It has further claimed that the woman was pressured to appear before the media and encouraged to make statements against Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, allegedly with promises of financial support.
The representation also alleges that the video may have been edited or manipulated to target senior politicians, public officials and businesspersons,and that the material could have been used as a tool for blackmail or extortion.These allegations are yet to be independently established.
The JD(S) has questioned the police response to the controversy and alleged that no effective action has been taken against those responsible for creating and circulating the video.It has also raised allegations of political influence and protection for the persons involved.
Referring to earlier court proceedings and public statements concerning the circulation of videos allegedly intended to damage the reputation of former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah,the party has called for a comprehensive investigation into the origin, authenticity and possible editing of the footage.
The petition has sought forensic examination of the original video and other relevant digital evidence, identification of all those involved in recording, editing and circulating the material,and action under applicable provisions of the Information Technology Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
The JD(S) has also referred to remarks allegedly made by Union Minister H.D.Kumaraswamy at a press conference concerning the controversy and sought that the issues raised be examined as part of the investigation.
Warning of statewide protests if the government and police fail to act,the party has demanded that the investigation establish the facts,identify any criminal conspiracy and ensure that those found responsible are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
The allegations in the representation have not been independently verified.A response from Rakesh Shetty, Power TV and the police was not available in the material provided.
