# HD Kumaraswamy Alleges Bribery Scandal Involving Karnataka IAS Officer Union Minister accuses official of paying bribe to avoid administrative transfer. - **Source:** [NDTV – India](https://www.ndtv.com/india) - **Published:** 2026-11-08 - **Topic:** [politics](https://brifing.si/c/politics) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/c511855f-b94f-46de-9f06-becd3382ce02 ## Bribery Allegations Surface Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has publicly accused IAS officer Latha Kumari of paying a 75 lakh rupee bribe to avoid a professional transfer. The allegations were made following a visit to the Hasanamba temple in Hassan. Kumaraswamy claims the payment was intended to secure the officer's current position within the district administration. ## Minister Implicated in Scandal The controversy extends to Karnataka Minister KM Shivalingegowda, whom Kumaraswamy explicitly named as a beneficiary of the alleged bribery scheme. The Union Minister suggests that the funds were funneled through intermediaries to prevent the transfer of the Deputy Commissioner. This accusation directly links high-level political figures to local administrative corruption. ## WhatsApp Evidence Presented Kumaraswamy supported his claims by reading excerpts from what he described as a WhatsApp conversation between an unidentified individual and Shashikiran, the personal assistant to Latha Kumari. He alleges these digital records expose a systemic corruption racket involving middlemen who facilitate illicit payments from stone crusher owners and residential developers. ## Officer Denies All Claims Latha Kumari has categorically rejected the allegations, labeling the reports as fake news intended to defame her professional reputation. She stated that she has never engaged in unauthorized activities and is currently filing a formal police complaint. The officer emphasized that she will pursue legal action against those circulating these claims. ## Administrative Corruption Concerns The allegations highlight broader concerns regarding the integrity of land conversion files and permissions granted to developers in the Hassan district. Kumaraswamy claims that the Deputy Commissioner's office has been systematically collecting bribes for clearing these documents. These accusations point toward a deeply entrenched network of officials and private sector intermediaries. ## Internal Accountability Measures Addressing the involvement of her staff, Latha Kumari stated that if her personal assistant sent any erroneous messages, strict internal action will be taken. She maintained that her office operates with transparency and requested the public not to believe the circulating information until a thorough investigation into the matter is completed. ## Legal Investigation Demanded Both parties have expressed a desire for a formal investigation to determine the truth behind the bribery claims. Latha Kumari insisted that whoever is found at fault must face the consequences of their actions. The police are expected to examine the WhatsApp evidence provided by the Union Minister to verify its authenticity. ## Political Impact Expected This scandal creates significant political friction in Karnataka, pitting a Union Minister against a state-level minister and a senior civil servant. The outcome of the police investigation will likely determine the future of the accused officials. The situation remains volatile as both sides prepare to present their cases to law enforcement. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.ndtv.com/india-news/hd-kumaraswamy-claims-ias-officer-paid-bribe-to-stop-transfer-points-to-minister-12300676#publisher=newsstand — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._