What Is Karnataka Honey Trap Scandal? Minister's Claim Causes Uproar In Assembly, BJP Demands CBI Probe

The ruckus by BJP legislators on the honey trap claim escalated when they stormed the Well of the House waving CDs as symbolic evidence of blackmail and coercion.

Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday assured the Assembly that the government would take strict action.

Source : ANI

The ongoing controversy over an alleged honey trap scandal involving political leaders in Karnataka disrupted Assembly proceedings on Friday with BJP legislators staging protests and demanding a thorough investigation.

The ruckus escalated when BJP MLAs stormed the Well of the House, waving CDs as symbolic evidence of blackmail and coercion. Some lawmakers tore and flung papers near the Speaker’s chair, leading to an adjournment of the session.

#WATCH | Ruckus erupts in Karnataka Assembly as BJP MLAs enter the Well of the House and also tear and throw papers before the Speaker's chair

(Video source: Karnataka Assembly) pic.twitter.com/giejoDxCXF

— ANI (@ANI) March 21, 2025

How Controversy Unfolded

The scandal took center stage after Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna revealed in the Assembly that at least 48 individuals had fallen prey to honey traps with their videos allegedly circulating. He further claimed that a widespread network was operating across the country, even entrapping some Union ministers.

“People say that there is a CD (compact disk) and pen drive factory in Karnataka. I have come to know that there are CDs and pen drives of 48 people available in the state. This network is spread across India and even several union ministers have been trapped,” Rajanna said, as per PTI.

Adding to the concern, Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi stated that a senior cabinet minister had been targeted twice in unsuccessful honey trap attempts. Calling for a police investigation, he said that the incident was not first of its kind in Karnataka.

Following this, during a budget debate, BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal accused political rivals of using honey traps as a blackmailing tactic. Echoing this sentiment, BJP legislator V Sunil Kumar urged the government to take the matter seriously and ensure that political manipulation through coercion is curbed, reported IANS.

Government Responds, Assures Action

As opposition leaders pressed for answers, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Friday assured the Assembly that the government would take strict action, stating, "There is no question of protecting anyone in this case."

Former Home Minister and Leader of Opposition R Ashoka along with BJP MLAs Araga Jnanendra and V Sunil Kumar called for a judicial inquiry and the immediate dismissal of those involved.

Meanwhile, State Home Minister G Parameshwara announced a high-level investigation if a formal complaint is filed. "The government is committed to ensuring justice and punishing those guilty under the law," he said, adding that Minister Rajanna had not named any individuals yet, as per the agency reports.

Minister Dr MC Sudhakar also acknowledged the gravity of the issue, noting that blackmail schemes targeting both politicians and the general public have become a growing concern. He told ANI, "It is a serious issue...Whether it is ruling or opposition party members, general public, a lot of people are misusing and are trying to extort huge amounts from respectful people and lure them into all these things." 

BJP Demands CBI Probe 

Karnataka BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal has urged State Home Minister G Parameshwara to transfer the case of alleged honeytrap attempts on ministers and political leaders to the CBI.