The DK Shivakumar sting operation controversy took a fresh turn on October 23 after the Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister alleged that an industrialist wearing Meta smart glasses may have attempted to secretly record him and Kerala Congress leader VD Satheesan.
In an interview with Kannada broadcaster Asianet Suvarna News, Shivakumar said the visitor initially discussed business matters before shifting the conversation towards political developments and booth-level strategies. The combination of the change in conversation and the smart glasses reportedly raised his suspicions.
Shivakumar said he instructed officials to conduct a preliminary inquiry into the industrialist's background. According to his account, the information he received suggested that the visitor had worn the glasses during meetings with him and Satheesan but not during meetings with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis and a Union minister.
However, Shivakumar did not publicly identify the industrialist or provide verifiable evidence establishing that a recording attempt had taken place.
Karnataka Government Says Precautionary Measures Taken
Asked why no action had been taken over the alleged attempt, Shivakumar said precautions had been taken but details were being withheld.
He also said he had warned Cabinet colleagues to remain alert to possible attempts to entrap political leaders through personal assistants, telephone calls or other means. Shivakumar maintained that he had records concerning the alleged activity but said he would disclose further information at a later stage.
The allegations come amid a wider political dispute in Karnataka over purported sting-operation videos linked to former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
Siddaramaiah Sting Video Row Deepens Political Tensions
The broader controversy has triggered competing accusations between the Congress and opposition parties over who was responsible for the videos and what their intended political purpose was.
Union Minister and Janata Dal (Secular) leader HD Kumaraswamy has alleged that the videos were used in an attempt to force Siddaramaiah out of office. He has also accused Shivakumar of orchestrating a sting operation, an allegation the Karnataka leader has denied.
Congress MLA Ravi Kumar Ganiga previously claimed that a Union minister and a Karnataka BJP leader financed a private agency to target several ministers and the Chief Minister's Office. He displayed a pen drive that he said contained evidence. These claims remain allegations in the political dispute.
Siddaramaiah approached a Bengaluru court seeking to restrict circulation of two disputed videos. According to the supplied report, the court granted an interim injunction on October 14 restraining media organisations and digital platforms from circulating them.
Questions Over Alleged Political Surveillance Remain
Shivakumar's latest claims have added another dimension to the dispute, but the alleged recording attempt involving Meta glasses has not been conclusively established through publicly disclosed evidence.
The identities of those allegedly involved, the purpose of the suspected operation and any connection to the separate Siddaramaiah video controversy remain unresolved. The competing allegations continue to fuel political tensions in Karnataka.
Relevant Link: Karnataka Government Official Website
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