CCB Searches Power TV MD Rakesh Shetty in Probe Linked to New Delhi
The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru police on November 2 carried out searches at the residence and office of Power TV Managing Director Rakesh Shetty, following developments in an investigation that links back to New Delhi. The probe centres on the alleged fabrication and circulation of a sting video targeting former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.
The searches were conducted by multiple teams of investigators who obtained a search warrant from a court. Shetty is considered a key suspect in the case alongside expelled Congress leader Kripa Alva. Both individuals stand accused of involvement in the creation of the allegedly fabricated video and had previously been questioned by investigators.
The action followed a CCB disclosure that the mobile phone used to upload the controversial sting video had allegedly changed hands at the official residence of Union Minister H. D. Kumaraswamy in New Delhi. According to investigators, the mobile phone was allegedly handed over to Ritesh Pandey at the Union Minister's official premises in the national capital.
Police are attempting to establish the full chain of custody of the device and determine the precise circumstances under which it was utilised to upload the video content. The CCB is actively probing the roles of several individuals in the alleged conspiracy and the subsequent online distribution of the clip.
As part of the widening investigation, the police have issued a notice to another suspect, Prajwal Prasad, who works with the IT cell of the Janata Dal (Secular). Prasad has been directed to appear before investigators for questioning, with officials noting that his statement is expected to be vital in determining how the mobile phone was procured and subsequently delivered to those who uploaded the footage.
Investigators stated that any potential questioning of Kumaraswamy or an examination of his official residence in New Delhi will depend entirely on the findings of the ongoing probe and the formal statements provided by the suspects.
