Media consultant at Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy’s office appears before Bengaluru CCB in ‘sting video’ case

The Bengaluru Central Crime Branch summoned Prajwal Prasad for questioning after investigators linked him to a sting video that has sparked political controversy in Karnataka. Prasad works as a media consultant for the office of Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy, who oversees the Heavy Industries and Steel portfolio at the national level. Law enforcement officials said the video appears to have been edited in a manner that could damage the reputation of a former chief minister of Karnataka, prompting a probe into its origins and distribution channels.

According to the police report, the sting video was shared widely on social media platforms, leading to public debate and calls for accountability. The investigation aims to determine whether the video was created with the intent to mislead viewers or to influence political narratives ahead of upcoming elections in the state. Authorities have not disclosed the identity of the former chief minister mentioned in the video, but they emphasized that any attempt to manipulate public opinion through fabricated material is a serious offense under Indian law.

The case highlights the growing concern over the use of digital media to shape political discourse in India. While the Union Minister’s office has not commented on Prasad’s involvement, the incident underscores the need for stricter oversight of political communications and the responsibilities of media consultants. Observers note that the outcome of the investigation could set precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future, especially as parties increasingly rely on online platforms to reach voters.