Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 27: The Karnataka government has transferred the investigation of the alleged honey trap case to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which has begun its probe following an order from director general of police Alok Mohan.
The case gained attention after minister for cooperation K N Rajanna revealed in the state Assembly that he had been a target of a honey trap. He further claimed that over 48 politicians across Karnataka and the country had been victims of similar attempts. Following his disclosure, Rajanna submitted a detailed report to home minister G Parameshwara, who subsequently directed the DGP to investigate the matter.
As part of the inquiry, CID officials have already visited Rajanna’s residence and gathered information from household staff, according to his son, MLC Rajendra Rajanna. He clarified that while he had received phone calls linked to the case, no direct attempt was made on him. He also mentioned that his father had faced two such incidents.
Political reactions and allegations
The BJP has accused chief minister Siddaramaiah of deliberately escalating the controversy for political reasons. Leader of the opposition R Ashoka claimed that the issue had intensified internal conflicts within the Congress and pointed out that minister for PWD Satish Jarkiholi had recently met former prime minister H D Deve Gowda and his son, union minister H D Kumaraswamy, in Delhi.
The BJP also launched an agitation in response to Rajanna’s statement, alleging that the controversy is being used to create instability within the ruling party. Ashoka went further, accusing Siddaramaiah of orchestrating the matter.
Reacting to the BJP’s claims, minister for RDPR, IT and BT Priyank Kharge stated that the government had already assured an investigation would be conducted once a formal complaint was filed. “The Chief Minister and home minister have been clear that justice will be ensured as per the law,” he said.
Kharge also countered the BJP’s allegations of internal rifts, questioning whether the honey trap case also indicated a power struggle within the BJP. “Minister Rajanna mentioned that 48 individuals, including central BJP leaders, were targeted. If the BJP believes there is infighting in Congress, then who is honey trapping their own leaders?” he asked.
Legal developments and Assembly turmoil
The Supreme Court recently dismissed a petition seeking an independent probe into Rajanna’s claims, questioning the relevance of a non-Karnataka resident filing the plea. Meanwhile, home minister Parameshwara reaffirmed the need for a high-level probe, stating that the issue concerns the dignity of all legislators.
The matter has triggered heated debates in the Legislative Assembly, with members getting emotional during discussions. BJP MLA N Munirathna even alleged that deputy chief minister D K Shivakumar was involved in the honey trap network.
Tensions further escalated when 18 BJP MLAs were suspended from the Assembly for six months for disrupting proceedings while demanding a judicial or CBI probe.
Meanwhile, MLC Rajendra Rajanna has filed a separate complaint with the DGP, alleging an assassination attempt on him during his daughter’s birthday celebration last November. He has been advised to submit a complaint to the Tumakuru SP as well.
With the CID now handling the investigation, the controversy continues to fuel political tensions in the state.