Union Minister alleges Hassan Deputy Commissioner retained post by paying bribe

Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel, H.D. Kumaraswamy, has leveled serious allegations against the Deputy Commissioner of Hassan, stating that he retained his position by paying a bribe of ₹75 lakh to Excise Minister and Hassan District In-charge Minister K.M. Shivalingegowda. Kumaraswamy made these disclosures while speaking to journalists on Sunday, 8 November, 2026, after visiting the historic Hasanamba Temple in Hassan.

Kumaraswamy read out excerpts of a WhatsApp conversation between an unknown individual and Shashikiran, the Personal Assistant to the Deputy Commissioner of Hassan. He stated that the details of this conversation were provided to him by an official the previous night. A script sample of this potential conversation was also distributed to journalists, in which Kumaraswamy said the Member of Parliament from Hassan and certain district officials were also mentioned.

According to Kumaraswamy, the conversation pertained to obtaining permissions for three stone crushers. It is alleged that the Personal Assistant demanded ₹60 lakh to secure this clearance. While the other party was negotiating, Shashikiran also provided a list of whom this amount would have to be shared with. Kumaraswamy further stated that the conversation also mentioned that Shivalingegowda wanted to replace the current Deputy Commissioner of Hassan, but it has allegedly emerged that he was persuaded by the Minister after paying ₹75 lakh through Santosh, the Tahsildar of Arasikere.

Amidst this controversy, Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar also visited the temple and, while praising the Deputy Commissioner's work, stated that he is performing well. He alleged that such accusations are being leveled against him because he does not accept their demands. On the other hand, Hassan Deputy Commissioner K.S. Latha Kumari has vehemently denied all these allegations. She clarified that she has never done anything illegal and will never do anything wrong in the future.

Kumaraswamy has demanded an investigation into the matter and requested the police to seize the mobile phone of the concerned individual for further inquiry. Latha Kumari stated that if any wrong message has been sent by her Personal Assistant or anyone from her department, appropriate action will be taken against them. She condemned the spreading of "false and baseless information" and said to let the investigation proceed, whoever has committed the mistake will face punishment. She further added that she will lodge a complaint with the cyber police as spreading false information is an offence and she will bring out the truth.