Representative image generated by AI indicating honeytrapping.
Credit: Grok AI
Mumbai: Amid reports of a widespread honeytrap scandal that has allegedly ensnared a staggering number of 72 to 75 senior government officials, including bureaucrats, law enforcement officers and politicians across Maharashtra, the opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi demanded a thorough probe into it.
Senior Congress leader Nana Patole raised the issue in the Legislative Assembly and sought a probe into the incident.
“Informing is coming about a honeytrap incident…this is a big issue, very important issue…if because of this honeytrap confidential documents go to the hands of anti-national groups, it would be a big lapse,” said Patole, a former Legislative Assembly Speaker.
“The government must take note of it,” ordered Legislative Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar.
Meanwhile, NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase too demanded a probe saying that this insidious network reportedly extends its reach across major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik, threatening the integrity of our state's administration.
Tapase said that it is particularly alarming to note that high-ranking government officers and politicians have reportedly fallen victim to this sophisticated extortion scheme. “This raises serious questions about the security and vulnerability of those tasked with governance in our state,” he said.
“Why is the government silent on media reports alleging incidents of honey trap in Maharashtra? How did this extensive honeytrap operation manage to target such a large number of high-profile individuals, including bureaucrats & politicians. Why did the intelligence agencies fail in early detection or intervention ? What measures are being implemented to eliminate such crimes in the future?,” he asked.
Tapase said that reports indicate that the 'mastermind' behind this racket is from Nashik and a former office-bearer of a political party.
“The modus operandi, involving individuals posing as distressed persons, building trust through digital and personal interactions, and then secretly recording compromising photos and videos for blackmail with threats of false rape charges, points to a highly organized criminal enterprise,” he said.
The NCP(SP) leader exhorted that the public deserves full transparency regarding the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, social activist Vijay Kumbhar pointed out that the incidents reportedly were unfolding in a luxury hotel in Nashik. “A woman has even filed an official complaint at the Mumbai Naka Police Station. Why is the CM silent? Why hasn’t the State Intelligence Department acted yet? If this is true, it’s a disgrace. If it’s false, why no action against the one spreading such “rumours”? Either way — the silence reeks of rot,” he said.