Senior Karnataka cop files complaint against H D Kumaraswamy, accuses him of obstructing probe in illegal mining case

In his complaint lodged at Sanjay Nagar police station in Bengaluru, Chandrasekhar, an additional director general of police in the Internal Security Division, alleged that Kumaraswamy verbally threatened him and his family during two press conferences held on September 28 and 29.

Kumaraswamy is named as an accused in the controversial mining case involving Sri Sai Venkateshwara Minerals of Sandur. He allegedly gave the firm a mining lease on 550 acres in Bellary in October 2007, days before he quit as chief minister. The lease was given against the advice of senior officials in the commerce and industry department.

The SIT had submitted a report to Karnataka governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, seeking permission to prosecute Kumaraswamy. In his complaint, Chandrasekhar detailed how the investigation has progressed, with the governor requesting clarifications and additional steps. Just as the case was nearing a significant breakthrough, Kumaraswamy allegedly launched an aggressive media campaign to undermine the probe, the IPS officer stated in his complaint.

This development came after Chandrasekhar’s letter to his subordinate officers in the investigation of the illegal mining case went viral where he said, “Never wrestle with pigs, you both get dirty and the pig likes it.”

According to Chandrasekhar, Kumaraswamy accused him of misusing his position and falsifying medical records to remain in the Karnataka cadre. He also threatened to leverage his political influence to have Chandrasekhar transferred out of Karnataka. Kumaraswamy further alleged that the officer had accepted bribes, and made defamatory comments about Chandrasekhar’s family, which the senior IPS officer denied.

“The accused, who is a powerful politician and Union Cabinet Minister, made these baseless accusations with the sole intent of derailing the ongoing investigation into his alleged involvement in illegal mining activities. His aim is to intimidate me and the SIT from carrying out our duties,” Chandrasekhar stated in his complaint.

The complaint also alleged that Kumaraswamy abused his position to illegally obtain sensitive documents related to the investigation. Chandrasekhar expressed concern over how the former chief minister had access to confidential communication between the governor and the SIT, which should not have been accessible to the public. Kumaraswamy allegedly presented these documents during his press briefings, raising concerns about how such information was obtained and shared. “The accused has publicly displayed documents that were part of the investigation, which is a blatant attempt to tamper with the case and obstruct justice. This act not only endangers the integrity of the probe but also sends a dangerous message that powerful individuals can flout the law with impunity,” Chandrasekhar added.

The complaint also named Kumaraswamy’s son Nikhil and his associate Suresh Babu for making similar defamatory statements against the officer. During a press conference on September 29, Nikhil allegedly made false accusations against Chandrasekhar. Babu wrote to the chief secretary demanding action against Chandrasekhar and shared the letter on social media, further fuelling the allegations, the complaint stated. Kumaraswamy’s supporters staged protests, demanding Chandrasekhar’s suspension, adding to the pressure on the SIT, the police officer said in his complaint.

Chandrasekhar’s complaint also highlighted how the “false accusations and threats” have demoralised the SIT. “The choice before us is clear: either we surrender and give in to these baseless allegations or continue on the righteous path, guided by the principles of justice and duty. We choose to stand firm, believing in the tenet ‘Yatho Dharmastato Jayah’ (Where there is Dharma, there will be victory),” Chandrasekhar stated.

Chandrasekhar has requested legal action against Kumaraswamy, his son, and their associates for their alleged attempts to intimidate him and obstruct the investigation. The complaint also calls for an inquiry into how Kumaraswamy accessed confidential investigation material and whether he misused his position as a Union minister to do so. The police officer also said that if such behaviour goes unchecked, it could set a dangerous precedent for future cases involving powerful individuals.