I know who is behind sting operation, says D.K. Shivakumar

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Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar during the 57th Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council Meeting at Bharat Mandapam, in New Delhi on Thursday. | Photo Credit: ANI

Kumaraswamy claims that the Chief Minister was using the issue to divert attention from alleged NICE irregularities

A day after warning of possible sting operations targeting Ministers, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday claimed that he knew the “mastermind” behind the operation, who was financing it, and how it was being executed.

Speaking to reporters near Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi, Mr. Shivakumar said he had evidence to substantiate his claims.

“They tried to start these undercover operations with me. I have all the evidence. I hold a responsible position, and I do not speak without substance,” he said.

Asked whether attempts had been made before or after he became Chief Minister, Mr. Shivakumar said he was referring to attempts made after he assumed office. He also claimed to know which other leaders were being targeted.

“I know who the mastermind behind this is, but I do not want to reveal everything now. I will disclose the details when the time is right,” he said.

Mr. Shivakumar said some people had approached him in connection with the alleged operation and that he was even prepared to release photographs. “I am aware of who is doing what,” he said.

He said his warning to Ministers and officials was intended to make them cautious about attempts to entrap them. “In the past, people have come posing as media personnel to conduct sting operations. I have concrete information that certain leaders have hired private agents for this operation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Union Minister and JD(S) leader H.D. Kumaraswamy challenged the Chief Minister to make public the evidence relating to the alleged sting operation. “If such a thing has indeed happened, let an investigation be conducted,” Mr. Kumaraswamy said in New Delhi.

Referring to Mr. Shivakumar’s claim that he knew the people behind the operation and had photographs, Mr. Kumaraswamy said, "Reveal who these people are. You have the SIT at your disposal, don’t you?”

He alleged that the Chief Minister was using the issue as a “political stunt” to divert public attention from documents relating to alleged irregularities involving the NICE company.

“He is spreading such stories to mask the embarrassment caused by the release of documents regarding irregularities involving the NICE company and to prevent the issue from receiving media attention,” Mr. Kumaraswamy alleged.