'48 MLAs honey trapped over 20 years': Targeted Karnataka Minister KN Rajanna demands probe

Rajanna, who is close to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, was targeted twice, PWD (Public Works Department) Minister Satish Jarkiholi told the media.

The state home minister will order a high-level investigation into the matter as the BJP also demanded a probe.

Speaking at the legislative assembly on Thursday, Rajanna said, "There is a talk that a minister from Tumkuru has been a victim of honey trap. There are only two of us from Tumkuru, one is me and the other is the Home Minister."

"This is not something new as 48 members are said to have been victims of the same thing. Many of them have also taken a stay from the High Court. There are such people on both sides and now my name is also being taken," he said.

"I appeal to the Home Minister to investigate this matter thoroughly. If needed, I am ready to file a complaint myself. At least we should know who is its director and who is the actor," the minister said.

State Home Minister G Parameshwara has assured that a high-level investigation will be held into the matter.

"There were two attempts (on a minister), but they weren't successful," Jarkiholi had told reporters earlier in the day after the matter was raised in the state assembly on Wednesday by former BJP minister V Sunil Kumar.

Jarkiholi also said this was not the first time such an incident took place in Karnataka.

"It has been happening for the last 20 years. Every party -- Congress, BJP, and JDS -- is a victim," he said, adding that some people exploit such situations for political gains, and it should be stopped.

"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," said he.

Regarding the current incident, he said he has spoken to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the home minister.

"We have demanded that a complaint be filed and an investigation be done... We have told the victim to come forward and file a complaint, only then it can be investigated and the truth will come out," Jarkoli said.

Last week, two women were reportedly arrested for allegedly honey trapping a BJP leader in Tumakuru district. BJP leader Annappa Swamy had alleged that a woman had befriended him on Facebook and later was blackmailing with their intimate videos.