Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi Alleges 'Honey Trap' Attempts, HM Parameshwara Orders High Level Probe

Bengaluru: Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Thursday claimed that two unsuccessful "honey trap" attempts were made on a senior minister in the state and called for a police investigation into the matter.

"... there were two attempts (on a minister), but they weren't successful. This is not the first honey trap incident in Karnataka," Jarkiholi told reporters in response to a question.

Photo Credit: https://x.com/JarkiholiSatish; PTI

Condemning the incident, he said politics should not involve such tactics. Some people exploit such situations for political gains, and it should be stopped.

"We have asked the concerned minister to file a complaint, only then can the police act and launch an investigation," he added.

Jarkiholi emphasised that those behind it should be brought to justice.

"We will speak to the Chief Minister (Siddaramaiah)... have already discussed it with the Home Minister (G Parameshwara). If there is a complaint, it will help the investigation," he said.

Stressing the need for a non-partisan fight against honey trapping, the Minister said politicians cutting across all parties have been victims of it.

"In the earlier governments too there were victims of honey trapping, some names were heard, now our people's (Congress) names are heard, if it happens in the future too, it won't be surprising. This must end," he added.

Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar too backed the call for a police complaint in the matter. "Let a complaint be given to the police station first, let's get it investigated," he told media.

Former BJP minister V Sunil Kumar had raised the issue in the assembly on Wednesday and accused the Congress government of running a "honey-trap factory", and demanded action from the Home department.

Home Minister Responds

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara on Thursday said he will order a high-level probe into the "honey trap" cases in the state.

He insisted that there is a need to put an end to such tendencies.

"If we have to save the dignity of our members, we have to put a brake on such incidents. Its a serious issue," the Home Minister told the Assembly.

"I will order a high-level probe into it," he added.

Karnataka Minister for Cooperation K N Rajanna said he came to know that at least 48 people have been "honeytrapped" and their obscene videos have been made.

During the discussion on budget, BJP legislator Basanagouda Patil Yatnal said a trend has started to finish off the political opponents by blackmailing them.

BJP MLA V Sunil Kumar said people who could not defeat their opponents on policies and ideologies have resorted to blackmailing to achieve their political goals.

BJP MLA Munirathna alleged that he has been wrongly framed in a rape case. He demanded that his case should be handed over to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).