Bengaluru: Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy staged a sit-in protest on the steps of the Bengaluru Police Commissioner’s office, demanding the arrest of the key accused in the alleged sting operation case.
Kumaraswamy warned that he would announce his next course of action if the principal accused was not arrested within two days. He demanded action against everyone involved and called for an impartial investigation into the case.
Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh attempted to persuade Kumaraswamy to withdraw the protest. The Union minister insisted that the commissioner speak to the Home Minister and ensure appropriate action.
Kumaraswamy temporarily called off the protest after the commissioner assured him that all those involved would be investigated.
Kumaraswamy said he had no objection to members of his own party being questioned as part of the investigation but insisted that the key accused should be arrested first to facilitate the probe.
“We will not be intimidated by attempts to scare us. We are prepared to extend full cooperation to the investigation,” he said.
Questioning why the person allegedly responsible for spreading malicious propaganda against former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah was being shielded, Kumaraswamy said he had extended support to Siddaramaiah but alleged that the latter had remained silent on the issue.
He demanded that investigators establish the roles of everyone involved and ensure that the inquiry was conducted without bias.
Although he temporarily withdrew the protest following the police commissioner’s assurance, Kumaraswamy reiterated that he would decide on further agitation if the key accused was not arrested within the two-day deadline.
