Karnataka Honey Trap Row: Were Politicians, Judges, and Officials Targeted? PIL Seeks SC Investigation

A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Supreme Court on Monday, demanding an independent probe into the alleged honey-trapping of public servants, including judges, in Karnataka.

The petition, mentioned before the apex court for urgent hearing, raises serious concerns over the security and integrity of officials in the state. The Supreme Court has agreed to list the matter for hearing on Monday or Tuesday.

The allegations have triggered a political storm in Karnataka, with reports suggesting that several public servants, including prominent judges, may have been ensnared in honey-trap schemes. Such tactics typically involve luring individuals into compromising situations, leading to potential blackmail or extortion.

What is the Karnataka honey-trap controversy?

The controversy erupted when State Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna admitted in an assembly session that he had fallen victim to a honey-trap scheme.

His revelation followed accusations from former BJP Minister V Sunil Kumar, who alleged that the Congress government was running a "honey-trap factory." BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal further claimed that a senior Congress leader was involved in the scandal.

Rajanna insisted that he was not the only target, stating that at least 48 politicians from various parties-including Congress, BJP, and JD(S)-had been implicated in similar traps.