The Karnataka Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has initiated an inquiry into alleged honey-trapping attempts targeting multiple politicians across parties. The probe follows a complaint from state minister and Congress leader KN Rajanna, whose claims in the state assembly sparked a major uproar during the recently concluded budget session, a senior police officer said on Thursday.
Director General of Police (DGP) Alok Mohan ordered the investigation after Rajanna, the Minister for Cooperation in the Siddaramaiah-led cabinet, submitted a petition to state home minister G Parameshwara. In his petition, Rajanna detailed the issue and urged a thorough probe, prompting the home minister to refer the matter to the CID.
Confirming the development, CID DGP MA Saleem told Hindustan Times: “We have received a copy of the complaint from the DGP and have begun an inquiry. We are collecting details, and based on government directives, appropriate legal action will follow.”
As part of the probe, CID officers visited Rajanna’s government residence in Jayanagar, Bengaluru, on Thursday. They also inspected his guest house on Jayamahal Road and recorded statements from household staff. The state government has given the CID 14 days to gather evidence, after which a decision will be made on whether to set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT), sources familiar with the matter said.
On March 20, Rajanna informed the assembly that there had been attempts to honey-trap him and that at least 48 politicians across parties had fallen victim to similar schemes. His remarks triggered strong protests from opposition BJP and Janata Dal (Secular) legislators.
“There are claims that Karnataka has a CD and pen drive factory. I have learned that CDs and pen drives containing information on 48 individuals exist in the state. This network extends across India and has ensnared even some Union ministers,” Rajanna alleged in the assembly.
As tensions flared, with opposition members staging protests and displaying placards, the home minister announced a high-level probe, while the opposition demanded a judicial inquiry led by a sitting high court judge.
The controversy, which has shaken Karnataka’s political landscape, also reached the Supreme Court. However, on Wednesday, a three-judge bench dismissed a petition by a social activist seeking a CBI investigation into the honey-trap allegations.
