DK Shivakumar Alleges Attempted Sting Operation Using Meta AI Glasses, Congress Leaders Seek Probe

Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has alleged that an industrialist wearing Meta AI smart glasses attempted to conduct a covert sting operation targeting him and Kerala Congress leader V.D. Satheesan. The allegation has added a new dimension to the ongoing political controversy surrounding purported sting-operation videos in Karnataka.

Shivakumar made the claims during an interview with Kannada news broadcaster Asianet Suvarna News. He said the visitor's smart glasses and the direction of their conversation raised suspicions that the meeting might have been an attempt to secretly record political discussions.

How the Alleged Incident Unfolded

According to Shivakumar, the industrialist secured an appointment through officials and initially discussed business matters. However, the conversation subsequently shifted towards politics, including booth-level strategies and other political developments.

Shivakumar said the combination of the political discussion and the visitor's smart glasses prompted him to ask officials to examine the individual's background and movements.

He further claimed that information gathered during the preliminary inquiry suggested the industrialist had worn the same glasses while meeting Kerala leader V.D. Satheesan. Shivakumar alleged that the visitor did not wear them during meetings with certain other political leaders.

However, Shivakumar did not publicly identify the industrialist or present independently verifiable evidence establishing that the glasses were used to record the conversations.

Shivakumar Says Precautionary Measures Have Been Taken

Responding to questions about whether action had been taken, Shivakumar said precautionary measures were underway but that the details would not be disclosed publicly at this stage.

He also claimed to have maintained records of the incident and information about people who might have been involved. He said he would reveal further details when he considered the time appropriate.

The Deputy Chief Minister also warned his Cabinet colleagues to remain vigilant against possible attempts to entrap political leaders through meetings, intermediaries, telephone calls or other means.

Connection to the Karnataka Sting-Operation Controversy

The allegation comes amid an ongoing political dispute over purported sting-operation videos linked to former Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. Congress leaders and opposition parties have traded accusations over the origin, purpose and political implications of the recordings.

The controversy has raised questions about the possible use of covert recordings in political disputes and the accountability of those responsible for producing or circulating such material.

The latest allegation has intensified the debate, although a connection between the industrialist's visit and the wider controversy has not been conclusively established through publicly disclosed evidence.

Political Implications for the Congress

The episode could increase political pressure on the Congress government in Karnataka as it faces questions about the alleged targeting of its leaders. It may also prompt renewed demands for a transparent examination of the disputed recordings and the circumstances surrounding the alleged sting attempts.

For the Congress leadership, the immediate challenge is to establish what happened during the meetings, determine whether any unauthorised recording took place and assess whether there is evidence of a coordinated effort to target political figures.

The identity of the industrialist, whether a recording was actually made and who, if anyone, organised the alleged operation remain unresolved in the publicly available information.

As the controversy develops, the disclosure of verifiable evidence and the findings of any official inquiry will be crucial to determining the facts behind Shivakumar's allegations.