K N Rajanna claims, 48 Karnataka MLAs honey trapped, attempt to target him as well; Karnataka Home Minister orders high-level probe

Bengaluru: The Karnataka government has ordered a high-level investigation into an alleged honey trap attempt on a minister, following claims by Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna that the state has become a "CD and pen drive factory", an apparent reference to the growing menace of political blackmail through explicit recordings.

Speaking in the Karnataka Legislative Assembly, Rajanna alleged that a network of individuals was orchestrating honey trap operations and that 48 politicians across different parties had fallen victim to such tactics.

"An influential minister from Tumakuru has been targeted. The ones from Tumakuru are G Parameshwara and me,” he declared, further demanding a probe to uncover the "producers and directors" behind these scandals.

BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal had first raised concerns in the Assembly, prompting Rajanna to acknowledge that he too was a target. "They attempted it on me as well. I have evidence. This is no longer just a political issue; it is a public issue," he asserted.

Home Minister Parameshwara assured that a thorough investigation would follow if Rajanna submitted a written complaint. "To uphold the dignity of the House, we must get to the truth," he said.

Further strengthening the claims, Karnataka Minister Satish Jarkiholi confirmed that a honey trap attempt had been made on a state minister, though it failed. "This has been happening for 20 years across all parties—Congress, BJP, and JDS," he said, urging victims to file official complaints.

Meanwhile, BJP leader CT Ravi demanded a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the matter, stating, "When a senior Congress leader like Jarkiholi makes such a statement, it cannot be ignored. The Chief Minister must act immediately."