Kumaraswamy Alleges Phone Tapping of JD(S) Members, Govt Denies Claims.
Bengaluru: On Monday, former Karnataka Chief Minister and JD(S) leader H D Kumaraswamy claimed that 40 phones, including those of his family and supporters, are being tapped. This accusation came amid appeals for his nephew and Hassan JD(S) MP Prajwal Revanna to return to India amidst a scandal involving explicit videos.
Kumaraswamy accused the government of spying on him and his family, an allegation dismissed by Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar and Home Minister Dr. G Parameshwara as a publicity stunt. Kumaraswamy asserted, “Our phones are being tapped.
The JD(S) family is facing a severe crisis following the release of explicit videos allegedly involving Prajwal Revanna, grandson of former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda and son of H D Revanna, who is currently abroad.
The Karnataka government has formed a Special Investigation Team to probe the case, and an arrest warrant has been issued against Prajwal, also the NDA’s Lok Sabha candidate from Hassan. Interpol has issued a Blue Corner Notice seeking information on his whereabouts.
Kumaraswamy publicly urged his nephew to return and cooperate with the investigation, stating, “Come back to India and cooperate. How long will this ‘police and thief’ game go on? Your grandfather always wanted you to grow politically. If you want to honor his reputation, return to India.”
He added that he had advised his brother Revanna to bring back his son and apologized to the victims of the sexual assault case. “I once again publicly apologize to my mothers and sisters who are passing through painful mental agony. I understand their sufferings,” he said, acknowledging the gravity of the situation.
Kumaraswamy accused Deputy CM Shivakumar of orchestrating the distribution of pen drives containing the explicit videos. An audio clip allegedly featuring senior Congress leader L R Shivarame Gowda telling BJP leader G Devaraje Gowda to distribute the pen drives has surfaced, which Kumaraswamy cited to support his claims.
Shivarame Gowda allegedly says in the audio, “Distribute the pen drive and put the blame on Kumaraswamy, creating an impression that he wanted to promote his son (Nikhil Kumaraswamy).”
