D.K. Shivakumar speaks to reporters in New Delhi. Screengrab from the supplied video.
New Delhi: Karnataka Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar said he had alerted police after becoming suspicious of people who approached him, and claimed he had evidence of attempts to carry out sting operations against him and other ministers.
Speaking to reporters near Karnataka Bhavan in New Delhi on Thursday, Shivakumar said he knew who was organising and financing the alleged operations, but would disclose further details when the time was right.
“I have all the evidence. I hold a responsible position. I do not speak without a basis,” he said when asked about his warning over covert operations targeting ministers.
Shivakumar said the attempts he was referring to had taken place after he became chief minister. He claimed he also knew which other leaders were being targeted, but said there was no need to discuss all those details publicly at this stage.
Police informed, records prepared
Asked about reports that agents had been engaged to trap ministers, Shivakumar said some people had approached him and that he was prepared to release photographs. He said he did not consider it necessary to do so immediately.
He said suspicion about those who approached him had prompted him to inform police and prepare records, which he was keeping ready. He declined to disclose those materials or identify the alleged organisers.
When asked whether those behind the attempts were from Karnataka or other states, he said he would not reveal everything immediately and would respond at the appropriate time.
Warning to ministers and officials
Shivakumar alleged that attempts were being made to entrap officials and said he had warned them to be careful. He referred to earlier approaches for media sting operations and claimed he had firm information that some political leaders had engaged private agents for such operations.
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