Karnataka Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi on Thursday claimed that two unsuccessful “honey trap” attempts were made on 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.
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) and have already discussed it with the Home Minister (G Parameshwara).
If there is a complaint, it will help the investigation," he said.
Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna allege honey trap attempt
Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna alleged a honey trap attempt was made on him and called for an investigation into the matter. During the budget session discussion, Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal raised the issue, saying that an attempt had been made to trap the Cooperation Minister in the state. "This is a bad culture. People's representatives are being blackmailed," he said.
The minister also claimed that those involved in making CDs and pen drives had honey-trapped 48 people across different political parties.
"They belong to two different political parties. This issue is not limited to our state--it extends to the national level, involving leaders from various political parties across the country. I won't respond to the allegations against me here. I will give a written complaint to the Home Minister. This must be investigated. Let it be revealed who the producers and directors behind this are. The public must know," Rajanna said.
"There are pen drives of 48 individuals from two parties. This is a dangerous menace. This is now a public issue. They attempted it on me too. I have evidence. I will file a complaint. Let it be revealed who is involved," he demanded. Responding to this in the assembly, Home Minister G Parameshwara said that he will order a high-level investigation into the allegation.
Earlier governments too were victim of honey trapping
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 the 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.
(With inputs from PTI)