Key Points:
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Nana Patole alleges over 72 officials are caught in honeytrap racket.
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Claims to hold a pen drive containing video evidence.
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Racket dates back to 2016 and spans multiple cities.
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Victims include senior police and administrative officers.
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Opposition demands urgent action; government promises inquiry.
A political storm is brewing in Maharashtra after senior Congress leader and former state party president Nana Patole made explosive claims about a honeytrap racket allegedly involving over 72 top officials, including ministers, senior IAS and IPS officers.
Holding a pen drive in his hand while addressing the media after walking out of the state assembly, Patole said,
“I have all the evidence. The government is claiming only 72 are involved, but the actual number is far higher. We don’t want to assassinate anyone’s character, which is why we haven’t made the contents public yet. But if the government doesn’t act, we will be forced to place this before the people.”
What Is the Honeytrap Case?
According to multiple reports and court documents:
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The case dates back to 2016, when a woman was arrested in Thane by the Crime Branch for extortion.
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She allegedly posed as a distressed ex-cop or widow to gain sympathy from government officials.
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Over time, she befriended officials via WhatsApp chats and video calls, eventually meeting them in person.
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During these meetings, she would secretly record compromising videos or photos and later blackmail them for money.
In one instance, she lured an IPS officer to a hotel room under the pretense of seeking help. Once inside, she allegedly removed her clothes and recorded the conversation. She later used this footage for extortion.
In another case, a senior official’s wife had to pay the woman to prevent a false rape case from being filed against her husband.
Who’s Involved?
Official records and court dossiers reveal:
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The woman’s network spanned Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik.
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Her alleged victims include:
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Three DCPs from Maharashtra Police
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Several excise officers
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Senior inspectors and assistant commissioners
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After securing bail from the Bombay High Court, she reportedly resumed her activities using a fake identity.
Investigators believe more victims may come forward as the inquiry progresses.
Opposition Walks Out of Assembly
On Wednesday, Nana Patole demanded a comprehensive probe and strict action in the honeytrap case.
Despite Speaker Rahul Narwekar instructing the government to respond, the opposition claimed the state was dragging its feet on such a sensitive issue.
On Thursday, Patole raised the matter again in the House. The Speaker directed the government to update the Assembly before the end of Friday’s session.
Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde assured action, but the opposition remained unconvinced and staged a walkout.
Political Fallout
The scandal has sparked intense political debate, with Shiv Sena (UBT) mouthpiece Saamana
“The honeytrap scandal is now threatening to explode in the ruling alliance’s face. The government is hiding what’s inside the pen drive. Allegations swirl that 70–75% of ministers have questionable conduct. Names are being whispered—Shirsat, Kadam, Rathod, Bhuse… yet the government remains silent.
This case, brewing since 2016, has the public waiting for the truth. The 2022 government fell under similar shadows—will history repeat itself? If the BJP doesn’t act, the opposition will reveal the pen drive. That’s the real fear haunting those in power.”
( source – samana)
