Karnataka Sting Scandal: Who Plotted Against Siddaramaiah? Congress Rift, HDK Link Under Probe

A political sting scandal has erupted in Karnataka, raising explosive questions about an alleged conspiracy targeting Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. What began with videos featuring allegations of sexual misconduct has taken a dramatic turn, with the woman involved reportedly telling investigators that she was paid and coached to make the claims. The investigation has now brought in a reported link to an associate of Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy, though his involvement has not been established. Kumaraswamy has accused the Karnataka government of steering the probe, while Siddaramaiah has reportedly raised concerns with Rahul Gandhi over the damage to his reputation and the investigation. With the bitter Siddaramaiah-DK Shivakumar leadership rivalry back in focus, could this controversy reopen Congress's internal wounds? Who allegedly orchestrated the sting, who circulated the videos, and who stands to gain? On India Matters, NDTV examines the timeline, the allegations, the investigation and the political fallout shaking Karnataka.