The Karnataka Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has launched a probe into an alleged honey-trap network targeting politicians across parties. This comes after state minister and Congress leader K.N. Rajanna filed a complaint, claiming that such schemes have victimized at least 48 politicians in the state. The allegations, made during the recently concluded budget session, caused a major political uproar. Following Rajanna’s petition to state home minister G. Parameshwara, Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Mohan ordered an inquiry into the matter.
Confirming the investigation, CID DGP M.A. Saleem stated that the agency has received the complaint and has begun gathering details. The department is currently assessing the evidence, and further legal action will follow based on government directives. As part of the probe, CID officials visited Rajanna’s government residence in Bengaluru’s Jayanagar on Thursday. Investigators also inspected his guest house on Jayamahal Road and recorded statements from his household staff. The Karnataka government has allotted 14 days to the CID to collect sufficient evidence, after which it will decide whether a Special Investigation Team (SIT) is required to handle the case.
Rajanna’s explosive claims in the Karnataka Assembly on March 20 sparked controversy, as he alleged that honey-trap operations were widespread in the state. He further claimed that a network responsible for producing compromising videos and other digital materials has targeted numerous politicians and even Union ministers. His remarks led to strong protests from the opposition Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Janata Dal (Secular), who demanded a judicial inquiry led by a sitting high court judge.
The political storm surrounding the allegations reached the Supreme Court, where a three-judge bench dismissed a petition filed by a social activist seeking a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the matter. However, opposition leaders continue to push for a more extensive and transparent investigation, arguing that the issue has serious implications for political integrity and governance in Karnataka.
The honey-trap controversy has added to the already volatile political climate in Karnataka. While the government has assured a thorough investigation, the opposition remains skeptical, accusing the ruling party of shielding influential figures. As the CID delves deeper into the case, all eyes are on the findings of the probe and the potential ramifications for Karnataka’s political landscape.
