Two honey-trap attempts made on senior minister in Karnataka govt

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, March 20, 2025: There have been two unsuccessful honey-trap attempts on a senior minister in the Congress government in Karnataka, it emerged on Thursday, amid concerns being expressed by politicians across party lines on this matter.

“There were two attempts on a minister that weren’t successful,” Public Works Minister Satish Jarkiholi revealed.

“I’ve asked the minister to file a complaint. Only then can the police act and launch an investigation,” he added.

Satish demanded an investigation into honey-trapping, which he said has been going on in Karnataka for the last 20 years.

“Some people have made this their livelihood. Politicians from all parties -- BJP, JD(S), Congress -- and officials have been victims of honey-trapping. This must end. That’s why I’m demanding an investigation,” he said and pointed out that a minister in the previous BJP government was targeted by honey-trappers.

Satish also said that he would speak to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah. “I’ve already discussed this with the home minister (G Parameshwara),” he said.

Reacting to this, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar also sought a police complaint on the matter. “Let a complaint be lodged first. Whoever it may be, we’ll investigate,” he said.

Former BJP minister V Sunil Kumar accused the Congress government of running a “honey-trap factory” and raised the issue in the Assembly on Wednesday.

“We’re all politicians who are living a respectable life in society. But there’s news about honey-trapping. Shouldn’t we live with respect in public life? The news is such that we would feel like renouncing public life,” Kumar said.

“Doesn’t the government have any responsibility? Will you go to any level to beat down your political rivals? If the government itself runs a honey-trap factory, what can anybody do? There must be an investigation into this,” Kumar said.