Karnataka CM Shivakumar cautions Ministers against possible ‘sting operations’

A file photo of Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar and his Cabinet colleagues. | Photo Credit: file photo

Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar is learnt to have warned his Cabinet colleagues to remain vigilant against possible sting operations, amid reports that private agencies could be secretly recording Ministers’ conversations, meetings, and movements.

Deputy Chief Minister G. Parameshwara and Minister H.C. Balakrishna, who attended the Cabinet meeting on Tuesday, confirmed that Mr. Shivakumar, who also holds the Intelligence portfolio, had alerted the Ministers about possible sting operations.

“Since the Chief Minister holds the Intelligence portfolio, he cautioned us based on some information he had received,” Mr. Parameshwara told reporters.

Mr. Shivakumar is learnt to have raised the issue at the Cabinet meeting and shown the Ministers a “file” containing details of alleged ongoing sting operations. The file reportedly included the names of a few Ministers who were purportedly being targeted.

The Chief Minister is said to have advised the Ministers to exercise caution in the light of these purported developments. The Ministers were also reportedly advised to be cautious about meeting strangers privately or allowing themselves to be photographed with unfamiliar persons.