H.D. Kumaraswamy Alleges Massive Corruption Involving Hassan DC and Minister Shivalinge Gowda

By Political Bureau

Published: November 8, 2026 | Bangalore Mail

HASSAN: In a political bombshell that has sent shockwaves through Karnataka politics, Union Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy has leveled explosive corruption allegations against Hassan Deputy Commissioner (DC) Latha Kumari, her Personal Assistant (PA) Shashikiran, and District In-charge Minister K.N. Shivalinge Gowda.

Addressing a press conference in Hassan after offering prayers at the revered Hasanamba temple, Kumaraswamy made public incriminating WhatsApp chat transcripts that allegedly expose a systemic bribery racket involving lucrative stone-crusher licensing and administrative favors.

Explosive Chat Evidence Released

Kumaraswamy read out explicit transcripts from chats allegedly belonging to the DC’s PA, Shashikiran. The messages point to massive payoffs extracted from applicants in exchange for clearing crusher files and other bureaucratic approvals.

According to the leaked chats, middlemen and officials allegedly bargained for lakhs of rupees, explicitly using the Deputy Commissioner’s name to justify the high costs. One segment of the chat revealed claims that payments demanded from applicants had to be distributed upward, including allocations for the DC and internal section offices.

“Earlier, under past administration, things were straightforward and demands were lower. Since this new DC took charge, the burden of funding every level has grown exponentially,” Kumaraswamy quoted from the chats, highlighting public and intermediary frustration over rampant extortion.

High-Profile Names Dragged Into the Fray

The allegations extend beyond the local administration, drawing in prominent political figures. Kumaraswamy explicitly mentioned District In-charge Minister K.N. Shivalinge Gowda and local MP Shreyas Patel, implicating administrative complicity in the handling of bureaucratic transfers and file clearances.

The documents and transcripts highlight instances where administrative influence—including alleged intervention via Arsikere Tahsildar Santhosh—was reportedly leveraged to settle disputes and manage payoffs running up to ₹75 lakhs for critical clearances.