Karnataka Sting Video Case: 'Sexual Abuse' Row Appears Fabricated, Bengaluru Police Probe Possible Political Plot

News india Karnataka Sting Video Case: 'Sexual Abuse' Row Appears Fabricated, Bengaluru Police Probe Possible Political Plot

Last Updated:October 29, 2026, 19:23 IST

Interestingly, the video was allegedly recorded in 2023, purportedly concerning an incident dating back to 2011

The Bengaluru City Police have said that the allegations of sexual abuse depicted in an alleged sting video circulating on social media appear to be fabricated, with the evidence collected and statements recorded so far not substantiating the incident portrayed in the video.

Police are also investigating whether the recording and its circulation were part of a deliberate attempt to malign individuals holding positions of responsibility in Karnataka and create a political controversy.

The cybercrime arm of the police said a comprehensive probe was underway into the circumstances surrounding the creation, recording, possession, transfer and subsequent dissemination of the video.

“The evidence gathered so far prima facie indicates that the allegations of sexual abuse portrayed in the video is part of a fabricated and deliberately constructed narrative," the police said. “The statements recorded and evidence collected during the investigation thus far do not substantiate the occurrence of any such incident as depicted in the video."

The police said all individuals appearing in the video had been identified and extensively examined, with some questioned on multiple occasions. Referring to the allegations made or implied against individuals mentioned in the recording, the police said the evidence collected so far prima facie indicated that the allegations were “false and concocted".

“Further investigation into these aspects is continuing," the police said.

Video recorded in 2023, alleged incident dates back to 2011: Police

One of the key aspects being examined is the origin and authenticity of the video. Police say they have successfully traced, recovered and seized the original mobile phone allegedly used to record it. The device has been sent for forensic examination to establish the authenticity, integrity and other technical aspects of the recording.

“The forensic examination report is awaited," the police said.

Interestingly, the video was allegedly recorded in 2023, purportedly concerning an incident dating back to 2011. Investigators are examining the circumstances under which the recording was made, the purpose behind recording it nearly 12 years after the alleged incident, and the identities, roles and possible motives of those involved.

The police are seriously looking at the angle of whether the recording was deliberately staged, fabricated or manipulated to create a misleading narrative and serve ulterior motives.

Police are examining both the circumstances in which the video was created and the chain of events that led to its circulation on social media nearly three years later.

Anonymous accounts, VPNs used to upload video

The investigation has also focused on how the video moved from the original recording to the individuals who eventually uploaded it online.

Technical investigation has established that the video was uploaded to multiple social media platforms, including YouTube and X, during September and October 2026.

According to the police, the uploads were carried out through anonymous accounts using sophisticated methods of digital concealment. These included virtual private networks (VPNs), masked IP addresses, virtual and spoofed phone numbers, and other anonymisation techniques.

“Digital traces associated with locations outside Karnataka" were identified during the investigation, the police said.

Investigators are also attempting to reconstruct the complete chain of possession of the video, from its original recording in 2023 to its circulation on the internet in September-October 2026.

The objective is to establish who possessed the recording at different stages, how it changed hands, who facilitated its circulation and who was ultimately responsible for uploading it on social media.

Mobile phone traced to Delhi shop, accused arrested

A detailed technical analysis of electronic evidence helped investigators identify and trace the mobile phone associated with uploading the video on YouTube.

Further investigation led the police to a mobile phone shop in Delhi dealing in used and refurbished devices. The individuals involved in procuring the device were also identified.

“One of the accused persons connected with the procurement of the mobile phone was arrested from the National Capital Region (NCR) on October 24, 2026, in accordance with due process of law," the police said.

The accused has since been extensively examined, and his examination has yielded several significant investigative leads, according to the statement.

Preliminary findings indicate that the accused appears to be working as a freelance social media content creator. Police said he may also have associations with certain highly politically connected individuals based in New Delhi.

“The nature, extent and relevance of these associations are being investigated," the statement said.

The police have not disclosed the identities of the individuals allegedly associated with the accused or detailed the precise nature of their links. The investigation is continuing to establish whether these associations have any bearing on the creation or circulation of the video.

Police probe possible coordinated attempt to malign individuals

The investigation has also thrown up leads suggesting that the circulation of the video may have been part of a deliberate attempt to discredit individuals holding positions of responsibility in Karnataka.

“Importantly, the investigation has uncovered leads suggesting that the circulation of the video may have been part of a deliberate attempt to malign and discredit individuals occupying positions of responsibility in the state, influence public perception and generate political controversy and public discord," the police said.

Investigators are examining whether multiple individuals were involved in planning, facilitating, uploading or amplifying the video with malicious intent.

“The possibility of a coordinated effort involving multiple individuals in planning, facilitating, uploading or amplifying the video for malicious intent is also being thoroughly examined," the statement said.

Certain individuals have already been identified for further examination, and notices have been issued to them in accordance with the law.

The police said that while investigators had ascertained the identities of several persons connected with the case, their names were being withheld at this stage.

The decision, according to the police, was intended to “safeguard the integrity of the investigation, prevent interference with evidence and avoid prejudicing further investigative proceedings".

Police have also urged restraint amid speculation

Against this backdrop, the police have appealed to media organisations, the public and social media users to exercise restraint while reporting on or discussing the matter as well as not amplify unverified allegations or draw premature conclusions that could mislead the public or prejudice the ongoing investigation.

About the Author

Rohini Swamy

Rohini Swamy, Associate Editor at News18, has been a journalist for nearly two decades in the television and digital space. She covers south India for News18’s digital platform. She has previously wor...Read More

Read More