Bengaluru police refute 2023 origin claim of Siddaramaiah sting video, trace its recent spread

Bengaluru police say the sting video linked to former chief minister Siddaramaiah was not recorded in 2023, despite earlier claims. The city police are probing how the video first appeared and who gave it to Delhi‑based freelance creator Ritesh Pandey for online upload. Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh noted that the clip surfaced in three separate periods – 2021, 2023 and 2026 – but a preliminary check has disproved the 2023 recording claim. Investigators now believe the same footage was shared on several social media platforms during September and October 2026. Special teams have questioned multiple people connected to the case, including Kannada news channel owner Rakesh Shetty, expelled Congress leader Kripa Alva, and the woman who says she is the victim in the clip. Pandey was arrested in Delhi, later released on conditional bail. Police also raided the shop where the mobile phone used to upload the video was bought; the handset has been seized for technical analysis. The inquiry aims to map the complete chain of custody – from the original source, through any intermediaries, to the point where Pandey received it. Officers are also checking whether the video was staged, fabricated or altered before it spread online.

Context

The investigation highlights growing concerns over fake or manipulated videos in Indian politics, where social media can quickly amplify unverified material. Tracing the chain of custody helps authorities determine responsibility and deter future misuse of digital content.