Multiple ministers, legislators, and political figures in Karnataka reportedly fell prey to a honey trap scheme. On Thursday, State Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi disclosed that a colleague in the cabinet had encountered two failed attempts of such traps. In a related remark, State Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna informed the assembly that 48 individuals had been victims of honey traps, and their explicit videos have been disseminated.
“It is accurate to say that attempts were made, but they were unsuccessful. This isn’t an isolated incident; similar events have transpired in Karnataka over the past two decades. Every political party, including the Congress, BJP, and JDS, has fallen victim to this,” Jarkiholi stated.
Meanwhile, BJP’s state president BY Vijayendra commented, “…on the assembly floor, Cooperative Minister Rajanna himself acknowledged that he and his son had been subjected to a honey trap…”
On Thursday, KN Rajanna claimed that an attempt had been made to lure him into a honey trap, which was also corroborated by his son.
Rajendra Rajanna, an MLC and son of Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna, explained, “For the past six months, this has been ongoing for my father and me. We initially thought it was just a typical phone call or video call, but the frequency of calls has only increased. I have addressed this in the assembly and have urged the [state] Home Minister to investigate…an inquiry is necessary…”
Obscene Videos of 48 Victims Circulated
KN Rajanna indicated that there were a total of 48 pen drives created concerning this matter. “I have mentioned pen drives associated with leaders from all political factions.”
“People have spoken of a CD [compact disk] and pen drive factory existing in Karnataka. I have learned that CDs and pen drives containing material about 48 individuals are accessible in the state. This network spans across India and has even ensnared several union ministers,” remarked KN Rajanna.
He further stated, “This situation isn’t confined to our state; it has national implications, involving leaders from various political parties throughout the country.”
“There exist pen drives with information from 48 individuals across two political parties. This is a grievous threat. This issue is now part of public discourse. They have also targeted me. I possess evidence and will lodge a complaint. The identities of those involved should be exposed,” he demanded.
The Karnataka minister urged a thorough investigation by the home minister. “The cycle of blackmail needs to cease. A high-level inquiry should be initiated, and action must be taken against the perpetrators. I will consult with the [state] home minister [G Parameshwara] about this. The investigation ought to be conducted under the supervision of a retired judge,” he added.
Jarkiholi also stressed that those responsible should face justice. “We will engage with the Chief Minister [Siddaramaiah]… I have already spoken with the Home Minister [G Parameshwara]. If we receive a formal complaint, it will aid the investigation,” he asserted.
Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar also supported the call for a police complaint regarding the matter. “Let a complaint be lodged with the police. We need to investigate this,” he told reporters.
Investigation of High Level Ordered
Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has mandated a high-level inquiry into the alleged honey trap incident involving a state minister. Parameshwara made this announcement during budget discussions in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Thursday, as reported by the news agency ANI.
Honey Trap ‘Factory’
During a budget dialogue, BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal asserted that blackmail tactics have been employed to eliminate political adversaries.
Additionally, BJP member V. Sunil Kumar claimed in the Assembly that it seemed the government was operating “a honey-trap factory.”
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