BANGALORE: The police in Bangalore were not taken by surprise by the video clips, showing senior IPS officer M.C. Narayana Gowda allegedly brokering an illegal land deal, that were aired on CNN-IBN channel on Tuesday as part of their sting operation.

Many senior police officials knew about the undercover operation three months ago when it was carried out, police sources told The Hindu on Wednesday.

Promise not kept

According to the sources, Mr. Narayana Gowda got wind of the sting operation because the persons who had allegedly discussed the land deal with him had not returned as "promised" at the meting.

The discussion was captured through a hidden camera at Mr. Narayana Gowda's Infantry Road office while he was the Joint Commissioner of Police (Crime), Bangalore. This meant that the sting operation was conducted at least three months ago as Mr. Narayana Gowda was transferred as the Transport Commissioner on June 20, they said.

Efforts

Immediately after learning about the undercover operation, efforts were made to trace the television channel and the journalists involved.

People concerned had approached several journalists in the electronic media and had learnt about the channel that had conducted the sting investigation, the sources said.

Footage

CNN-IBN showed the video footages of Mr. Narayana Gowda allegedly discussing a land deal with a few people and referring to the Chief Minister and a NRI during the conversation.

DGP's stand

Director-General and Inspector-General of Police B.S. Sial, who is away in Lucknow, he said he was not aware of the facts of the case. "It is unfortunate for the Police Department if an official is involved in corruption or dishonesty," Mr. Sial said.

Mr. Narayana Gowda said he would not like to comment on the issue.

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