Karnataka sting operation: My father has conveyed his version to Rahul Gandhi, says Yathindra Siddaramaiah

Posted on by Vividh Bharathi

Mysuru, Nov 7 (IANS) Karnataka Urban Development Minister and Mysuru District In-charge Minister Yathindra Siddaramaiah said on Saturday that his father and former Chief Minister and Congress Working Committee (CWC) member Siddaramaiah had conveyed his version of the alleged sting operation controversy to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

The statement has assumed significance in the backdrop of Siddaramaiah filing a police complaint on October 6, alleging that a fabricated sting operation video and honey-trap narrative were created to blackmail him and damage his reputation.

He has also made a statement in this regard to the media as well.

Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has suspected the role of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in the sting operation case.

Speaking to reporters in Mysuru, Yathindra said that Siddaramaiah had already communicated his stand to Rahul Gandhi and reiterated that they were patiently waiting for the investigation to reach its logical conclusion.

“I have already stated that we are waiting patiently. I have faith in the government and trust that action will be initiated against whoever is responsible. Everything will be done in accordance with the law,” he added.

Referring to the investigation, Yathindra said that Bengaluru Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh had said that those involved in the case were being arrested and questioned.

He also claimed that the investigation had revealed that the mobile phones used by those who uploaded the video had been traced to Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy in Delhi.

He added that not only those who allegedly conducted the sting operation but also those involved in circulating the video should face action.

“During the course of the investigation, the police have brought out details about those involved in circulating the video. Along with those who conducted the sting operation, those who circulated it should also be punished. Action will be taken against them as well,” he said.

Yathindra added that allegations involving politicians inevitably acquire a political dimension.

However, he said he had complete faith in the investigation and was confident that the case would be taken to its logical conclusion.

Responding to Kumaraswamy’s allegation that Congress insiders were involved in the sting operation, Yathindra said the investigators should be allowed to establish the facts.

“Let the investigators make their statements and submit all the evidence before the court. The court will decide whether he was involved in circulating the videos or not,” he added.

Asked whether the investigation was focusing more on the circulation of the video rather than those who allegedly conducted the sting operation, Yathindra said he was confident that the investigation would cover all aspects of the case.

“As I have already stated, the investigation will certainly be taken to its logical conclusion. Action will also be taken against those who conducted the sting operation. We have that trust,” he added.

–IANS

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New Delhi, Aug 7 (IANS) Leading foreign policy and national security expert Lisa Curtis, who served as former Deputy Assistant during US President Donald Trump’s first term, on Thursday called the decision by Trump to impose additional tariffs on India “shocking,” while highlighting India’s rapidly growing economy as a major strength in the strategic partnership between the two nations.

Speaking exclusively to IANS, Curtis expressed surprise at the 25 per cent tariff announced by President Trump on Indian imports, especially since China — a strategic rival of the US — has not faced similar measures despite importing Russian oil.

“India is a strategic partner of the United States. China is a strategic rival. So, this really doesn’t make sense,” she told IANS.

However, Curtis noted that the recent tariff move marks a shift from the earlier approach during Trump’s first term, when efforts were focused on building trust and strengthening cooperation with India.

“During the first Trump term, we saw a concerted effort to elevate the relationship with India, to build trust and confidence. This tariff decision shows a completely different approach,” she noted.

Curtis, currently a senior fellow and director of the Indo-Pacific Security Program at the Center for a New American Security (CNAS), also pointed out the economic realities behind India’s current import patterns, explaining that “India hardly imported any oil from Russia before the Ukraine crisis. Now Russia is one of India’s biggest oil suppliers. It wouldn’t damage India’s economy to shift back to other suppliers.”

Curtis served as deputy assistant to the president and US National Security Council (NSC) Senior Director for South and Central Asia from 2017 to 2021. During her tenure at the NSC, she coordinated US policy development and implementation of the South Asia Strategy approved by the president in 2017 and was a key contributor to the Indo-Pacific Strategic Framework, which included expanding Quad security cooperation.

Addressing US foreign policy more broadly, Curtis warned against an overly narrow focus on tariffs and market access.

“You can’t formulate an effective foreign policy by boiling everything down to tariffs,” she said, adding, “relationships are built on military cooperation, political cooperation, and strategic convergence, not just trade.”

Looking ahead, Curtis remains cautiously optimistic about the potential for a positive outcome in the upcoming trade negotiations between the US and India scheduled at the end of August.

“We may very well get a deal, and that would help smooth over some of the unhelpful rhetoric of recent weeks,” she noted.

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Sonia Gandhi to inaugurate Congress’ new HQ ‘Indira Bhawan’ on Jan 15

New Delhi, Jan 7 (IANS) The Congress will have its new headquarters at ‘Indira Bhawan’ on Kotla Marg here which is likely to be inaugurated next week. Congress Parliamentary Party (CPP) Chairperson Sonia Gandhi will inaugurate the HQ on January 15.

This will be a significant step forward in the party’s modernisation efforts, claim the party leaders.

The much-anticipated event will take place at 10 a.m., with senior political figures in attendance, including AICC President Mallikarjun Kharge, Leader of Opposition (LOP) in Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Sonia Gandhi.

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“Situated at 9A, Kotla Road, New Delhi, the Indira Gandhi Bhawan is designed to meet the evolving needs of the party and its leaders, featuring modern facilities to support administrative, organisational, and strategic activities. This iconic building reflects the Congress Party’s forward-looking vision while paying homage to its extraordinary past, which has shaped the political and social fabric of India,” wrote Venugopal on X.

“Sonia Gandhi ji will inaugurate the new AICC Headquarters Indira Gandhi Bhawan, whose construction was started during her tenure as INC President,” he shared.

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According to information, the new headquarters is designed to accommodate the evolving needs of Congress, offering modern spaces for administrative, organisational, and strategic activities. With cutting-edge facilities, it aims to support the party’s operations, providing a dynamic environment for its leadership and members. It also serves as a powerful symbol of Congress’ resilience and its determination to play a central role in shaping India’s future.

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Delhi: Woman strangulated to death by lover in Paharganj hotel

New Delhi, June 8 (IANS) A woman was strangled in a hotel room in central Delhi’s Paharganj by her lover who suspected her of having an affair with another man, a Delhi Police official said on Sunday. The killer has been arrested.

The body of Sarika, 29, was discovered in her room’s bathroom by the hotel staff around 9.30 a.m. in Nabi Karim area, the police said.

After the hotel staff grew suspicious after they saw Sarika’s companion, Sachin, 31, leave the hotel alone in the morning. They checked the room and found the woman’s body in the bathroom, the police said.

Investigators tracked down Sachin and arrested him after they launched a hunt for him using CCTV footage and identity document submitted by him at the time of checking into the hotel.

Sachin and Sarika had checked into the hotel on Saturday evening around 4 p.m, the police said.

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Sachin was booked for murder after he admitted killing Sariaka, the police said.

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The gruesome murder came to light a day after a minor girl was allegedly raped and murdered in North East Delhi’s Dayalpur area on Saturday.

The police suspect that the absconding assailant raped her and stuffed her body in a suitcase in a bleeding condition, leaving her to die.

The suitcase, in which the girl was found in an unconscious state, was traced on the second floor of flat in Nehru Vihar on Saturday evening, hours after her family launched a hunt for her following her disappearance, the police said.

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