Are the Honeytrap Allegations by K'taka Minister Baseless?

Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- The CID investigation found no evidence supporting Rajanna's claims.
- Political tensions escalated during the Assembly session over these allegations.
- Rajanna's initial accusations led to the suspension of multiple BJP MLAs.
- The allegations raised questions about political integrity and accountability.
- Calls for the CBI investigation have been made if evidence exists.
Bengaluru, July 31 (NationPress) The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has finalized its inquiry regarding the honeytrap claims made by Karnataka Cooperation Minister K.N. Rajanna and has submitted its findings to the state government, as confirmed by sources on Thursday.
The investigation's conclusion indicates that the accusations of an attempted honeytrap against Minister Rajanna are unfounded, as reported by sources.
Furthermore, the CID has forwarded the report to the Union Home Ministry following the completion of its investigation.
This matter had sparked significant controversy in state politics back in March.
Minister Rajanna had asserted in the Assembly that there were three attempts made to entrap him.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) protested against this assertion, calling for a comprehensive investigation.
Amid the turmoil in the Assembly session, the Congress-led state government suspended 18 BJP MLAs, necessitating the intervention of Marshals to remove them from the House.
The suspension of these MLAs was recently lifted.
Minister Rajanna had subsequently met with Home Minister G. Parameshwara to demand a thorough investigation into the allegations.
The situation escalated further with discussions hinting at the potential involvement of Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar in the honeytrap claims.
Rajanna, who is a close ally of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, called for Shivakumar to step down as State Congress President, even offering to resign to take over the position himself.
He also publicly advocated that if a replacement for the Chief Minister were considered, a Dalit leader should be appointed.
Interestingly, Rajanna ceased his criticisms of Deputy Chief Minister Shivakumar as the controversy surrounding the alleged honeytrap attempts intensified.
Sources disclosed that Rajanna failed to provide tangible evidence to the CID and claimed he did not recognize or know anyone implicated.
He reportedly informed the CID that when an attempt was made to hold his hand, he slapped the girl and sent her away.
There was no CCTV installed at his residence, nor was there any record of the incident in the official visitor's log.
Based on these findings, CID officials determined that Minister Rajanna's claims were without merit.
Meanwhile, Home Minister G. Parameshwara addressed the media in Bengaluru on Thursday, stating, "I have not yet seen the CID report regarding Minister K.N. Rajanna's honeytrap allegations. The media surfaced the issue. The CID now provides the answer. I am unaware of the report's contents."
Moreover, the Leader of the Opposition and seasoned BJP leader R. Ashoka remarked that Minister Rajanna had alleged within the Assembly that there was an attempt to honeytrap him and his family, and he claimed to possess evidence to support this while demanding an investigation.
"However, similar to other inquiries initiated since the Congress took power in the state, this case has also lost traction," he stated.
"Minister Rajanna, if your allegations hold true and you indeed possess solid evidence, then I urge Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Parameshwara to transfer the case to the CBI for further investigation. Conversely, if your claims are false, you must apologize to the people of the state for making a misleading statement within the sacred grounds of democracy—the Assembly," asserted LoP Ashoka.
When questioned about the CID report indicating a lack of evidence regarding Minister Rajanna's honeytrap allegation, Deputy CM Shivakumar responded, "I have no connection to this. I am unaware of who filed the complaint or the investigation's proceedings. I am only hearing about it through the media. I have no knowledge of the matter."