Karnataka govt to order high-level probe into honey-trapping attempts targeting state ministers

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government will order a high-level investigation into honey-trapping of lawmakers after Cooperation Minister K N Rajanna sensationally revealed in the Assembly that attempts were made on him and at least 48 politicians across parties have fallen victim to this.

Rajanna, a close aide of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, opened up about honey-trapping, which he described as a “disease” and sought an investigation.

Earlier in the day, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi said two “unsuccessful” honey-trap attempts were made on one of his Cabinet colleagues whom he did not identify.

Inside the Assembly, however, BJP’s Basanagouda Patil Yatnal raised the issue and identified Rajanna as the minister who was targeted by honey-trappers. This prompted Rajanna to speak up.

“I have evidence that attempts were made on me. I will lodge a written complaint. I urge (Parameshwara) to investigate and reveal who the producers and directors are. People should know,” Rajanna said.

“Many say Karnataka has a factory that makes CDs and pen drives,” Rajanna said. “According to the information I have, there are 48 people whose pen drives (sleaze videos) are there. These 48 people are on both sides (across parties). Some have obtained stay orders from courts,” he said, adding that even national-level politicians have been targeted.

Responding to this, Parameshwara said the issue concerns every member of the Assembly. “We need to put a full stop to this,” he said. “Illustrious people have been members of this House. So, we must protect the honour of this House and its members,” he said.

“Based on Rajanna’s complaint, I’ll order a high-level investigation,” Parameshwara said.

Earlier, Yatnal claimed that a politician aspiring to become the chief minister “and further his family’s interests” was targeting his political rivals via honey-trapping. “It’s Rajanna today, it could be someone else tomorrow,” he said.

Siding with Rajanna, BJP’s V Sunil Kumar said political fights must be based on ideology and programmes. “Which minister is doing honey-trap? Is the government sponsoring this? We won't tolerate this in the name of politics. This is about our respect and dignity,” he said.

Munirathna turns emotional

Raja Rajeshwarinagar BJP MLA Munirathna turned emotional in the Assembly and demanded a CBI investigation into a rape case lodged against him.

“I warn all MLAs...everything is being done to ruin our lives,” Munirathna said. “My children are adults. I have grandchildren. I have not committed rape. A false case was lodged to ruin my life. A woman was made to file a complaint in Ramanagara,” he said.

Showing photos of deities Shani, Ajjayya and Pratyangira, Munirathna said: “Let him, who worships these gods, swear that I have committed rape.” Munirathna did not name the politician he was addressing.