Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has levelled serious allegations, claiming that an industrialist attempted to conduct a sting operation on him and Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan using Meta smart glasses. According to Shivakumar, the individual secured an appointment through official channels, initially presenting the meeting as a business discussion before shifting the conversation toward sensitive political topics, including booth-level strategy and state political developments.
Shivakumar stated that he became suspicious when he noticed the visitor wearing the smart glasses during their interaction. Upon further investigation, the Karnataka leader claimed that information gathered suggests the same industrialist had worn the glasses during a separate meeting with Kerala Chief Minister VD Satheesan. Shivakumar asserted that, based on his assessment, the individual did not wear the device during meetings held with other prominent figures, including Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, or a Union minister.
While Shivakumar has not publicly named the industrialist or provided definitive evidence to confirm that the glasses were used to successfully record either meeting, he maintained that he has thoroughly documented the episode. He noted that he instructed officials to examine the visitor's background once his suspicions were aroused. Regarding the government's response to the incident, Shivakumar confirmed that authorities have implemented specific, though undisclosed, precautionary measures.
“Who said action wasn't sought? You just don't know, that's all. We are not disclosing it, that's all. We have taken all precautionary measures,” Shivakumar told a Kannada broadcaster. The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that he possesses information concerning those who might have been involved in the alleged plot but indicated that he would wait for the appropriate time to release further records or name the individuals involved. He stated, “I have called them all and kept records. Not now. When the time comes, I will say what has to be said.”
Following the incident, Shivakumar issued a warning to his cabinet colleagues, advising them to exercise heightened caution regarding their interactions. He cautioned ministers to be vigilant against potential entrapment attempts, whether through individuals working in their proximity, unsolicited telephone calls, or other surreptitious means. As the leader of the government, he described the cabinet as a family that must remain conscious of such security threats.
This allegation emerges at a time of heightened political tension in Karnataka, where the Congress party and opposition factions are currently engaged in a heated dispute over purported sting operation videos involving former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. The recent accusations from Shivakumar regarding the Meta glasses add another layer of complexity to the ongoing discourse surrounding political surveillance and the methods used to influence or entrap public officials in the state.
As of now, the government has refrained from providing specific details regarding any formal investigations or legal actions taken against the industrialist in question. Shivakumar’s statements highlight the increasing challenges faced by political figures in an era where wearable technology can potentially be repurposed for covert surveillance. The situation remains developing as the administration balances the need for security with the strategic timing of further disclosures.
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