TUMKURU, 25 MARCH

Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna has announced plans to file a formal complaint with Home Minister G Parameshwara regarding an alleged "honeytrap" attempt on him. This development comes after Parameshwara publicly stated that Rajanna had yet to file a complaint.

Rajanna explained that he had been unable to submit a complaint earlier due to work commitments, but has now personally written a three-page complaint detailing the incident. He intends to meet Parameshwara to hand over the complaint.

The minister revealed that he initially dismissed the incident, assuming it was a common occurrence. However, after his name was mentioned in the Assembly, he began investigating the matter seriously. Rajanna claimed that the individuals involved were strangers, and it remains unclear whether they acted independently or had someone backing them.

Rajanna provided further details, stating that the same man was present on both occasions, while the woman accompanying him was different each time. He noted that the second woman claimed to be a High Court lawyer but was dressed in casual attire, wearing jeans and a blue top.

This incident has sparked a wider controversy, with Rajanna alleging that at least 48 politicians across parties have fallen victim to similar "honeytrap" schemes. The issue has prompted calls for a high-level probe and a judicial inquiry. A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has also been filed in the Supreme Court, seeking a CBI probe into the allegations.

Rajanna has denied mentioning judges in his initial statement, calling the PIL "misleading" and based on "false information". The minister's decision to file a complaint marks a significant development in the case, and the outcome will be closely watched.