Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy alleges Hassan DC retained her post by paying bribe district minister
Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has accused the Hassan Deputy Commissioner of paying a bribe to a state minister to retain her position. The allegations, based on purported WhatsApp transcripts, have been denied by the official, while the Chief Minister has defended her performance.
Why it matters
These allegations of corruption involving high-ranking district officials and state ministers underscore ongoing concerns regarding administrative integrity and political patronage in local governance.
Shivamogga Union Minister for Heavy Industries and Steel H.D. Kumaraswamy has alleged that the Hassan Deputy Commissioner retained her post by paying ₹75 lakh to Excise Minister K.M. Shivalinge Gowda, who is also the in-charge Minister of Hassan district. Speaking to presspersons in Hassan after visiting the historic Hasanamba temple in Hassan on Sunday (November 8, 2026), Mr. Kumaraswamy read out excerpts from a written script of what he described as a WhatsApp conversation between an unidentified person and Shashikiran, the personal assistant to the Hassan Deputy Commissioner. He said he received the contents of the conversation from an official who met him the previous night. According to Mr. Kumaraswamy, the conversation was about seeking permission for three stone crushers. The personal assistant allegedly demanded ₹60 lakh to get the clearance. As the person on the other end bargained, Mr.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in