Sting operation case: Kannada news channel head moves court for anticipatory bail

Office of the Commissioner of Bengaluru Police. The Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru police is probing the sting operation case. | Photo Credit: K Murali Kumar Rakesh Shetty, head of a Kannada news channel, has sought anticipatory bail in connection with the sting operation case being investigated by the Central Crime Branch (CCB) of the Bengaluru police.On October 22, Mr. Shetty approached the CCH-66 City Civil and Sessions Court seeking anticipatory bail. The court has reserved its order for October 23. The CCB is expected to file objections to the application.According to CCB sources, the agency’s cybercrime wing had earlier questioned Mr. Shetty in connection with the case.The development comes days after former chief minister Siddaramaiah filed a complaint with Bengaluru city Police Commissioner Seemant Kumar Singh alleging that fake and malicious videos were being circulated on social media to tarnish his reputation.The CCB detained two individuals in connection with the case and interrogated them regarding the circulation of a purported video.Subsequently, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy alleged that members of his party’s social media team were being targeted. He submitted a letter to Karnataka’s Director General and Inspector General of Police (DG&IGP) M.A. Saleem demanding Mr. Shetty’s arrest and accusing him of involvement in the sting operation. Published - October 23, 2026 11:35 am IST