National

Karnataka Honey Trapping Case: SC to Consider PIL for CBI/SIT Investigation

Published

1 year ago

March 24, 2025

On Monday, the Supreme Court agreed to consider a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) requesting an independent investigation by the CBI or a Special Investigation Team regarding alleged honey trapping involving legislators, public servants, and judges in Karnataka. Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna, who presided over the bench, indicated that the PIL would be scheduled for a hearing either today or tomorrow, following a request from the advocate representing the petitioner for expedited consideration.

The PIL, filed by Binay Kumar Singh, a resident of Jharkhand, calls for an independent inquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation or a specialized team comprised of police officers free from the Karnataka government’s influence. Additionally, the petitioner is requesting that the investigation be overseen by the Supreme Court or a monitoring committee led by a retired Supreme Court judge.

“The monitoring committee should also investigate the involvement of all individuals or authorities who have directly or indirectly benefited from these incidents and should direct prosecutions based on the findings,” the PIL states.

Recently, Karnataka Cooperation Minister KN Rajanna claimed that 48 individuals have fallen victim to “honey traps” in the state, with their explicit videos reportedly circulated. He asserted that the list of affected individuals spans across various political parties, encompassing state and national leaders.

The PIL alleges, “Serious and alarming claims have been made in the Karnataka State legislature, suggesting that an individual aspiring to become the Chief Minister has successfully honey-trapped several people, including judges. These allegations were presented by a sitting minister who has claimed to be a victim, which lends credibility to these grave accusations.”

It further notes, “Another government minister has not only corroborated the initial minister’s claims but has also suggested that the extent of this scandal is at least tenfold compared to what is currently known.”

The implications of judges being compromised through honey trapping raise significant concerns about judicial independence and severely undermine public trust in the judicial system, as highlighted in the PIL.

National

Ex-IAS Officer Dhanendra Kumar Dies in Delhi House Fire

Published

1 week ago

May 29, 2026

Namma Kudla

New Delhi: Former IAS officer and the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India (CCI), Dhanendra Kumar, died after a fire broke out at his house in Delhi’s Hauz Khas area on Thursday night. He was 80.

According to police, the fire was suspected to have started after an air conditioner blast inside the house. At the time of the incident, five people, including family members and domestic staff, were present in the house.

Firefighters and police teams rushed to the spot and rescued the people trapped inside. Dhanendra Kumar and his son were taken to a nearby hospital. Kumar died during treatment due to smoke inhalation. His son suffered injuries and is now out of danger.

Police said no foul play is suspected in the incident. The house was badly damaged in the fire.

Dhanendra Kumar was a 1968 batch IAS officer. During his long career, he served in several important positions in the central and Haryana governments. He worked in ministries such as Defence, Road Transport, and Culture.

He also served as the first chairman of the Competition Commission of India from 2009 to 2011. He played an important role in strengthening competition laws and economic reforms in the country.

Even after retirement, he remained active in public policy and corporate affairs.

National

Woman Found Dead Six Months after Marriage

Published

2 weeks ago

May 27, 2026

Namma Kudla

Lucknow: A young woman was found hanging at her in-laws’ house just six months after her marriage in Lucknow. The deceased has been identified as Shweta Singh.

According to her family, Shweta married Bhupendra Singh on November 22, 2025. Her father, Umesh Kumar Singh, alleged that her husband and his family harassed her regularly for dowry and demanded a car. He also claimed that Shweta faced mental torture from her husband and in-laws after marriage.

The incident took place at her in-laws’ house in the Thakurganj area of Lucknow. Shweta was rushed to a hospital, but doctors declared her dead.

Her parents suspect murder and alleged that the family tried to present the death as suicide by hanging the body. Based on the complaint, police registered a case against Shweta’s husband and his family under Sections 80 and 85 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and the Dowry Prohibition Act.

Police said the accused family members are absconding, and a search operation is underway. The body has been sent for post-mortem examination, and further action will be taken after the report arrives.

National

Army Helicopter Crashes In Ladakh, All Three Officers Injured But Safe

Published

2 weeks ago

May 23, 2026

Namma Kudla

National: Three Indian Army officers survived after their helicopter crashed in the Tangste region near Leh in Ladakh. The accident took place on May 20. Officials confirmed the incident on Friday.

The helicopter belonged to the Army’s ageing Cheetah fleet. A Lieutenant Colonel and a Major were flying the chopper. Major General Sachin Mehta, General Officer Commanding of the 3rd Infantry Division, was travelling as a passenger.

All three officers suffered injuries in the crash. However, they survived the accident in the difficult mountainous region. A selfie clicked by Major General Mehta after the crash has now gone viral on social media. The photo showed the three officers sitting on rocks near the badly damaged helicopter.

Many people called their survival a miracle because of the harsh terrain and the risks involved in flying the old Cheetah helicopters in high-altitude areas.

The Indian Army has ordered an official inquiry to find out the reason behind the crash.

The incident has once again raised concerns over the safety of the Cheetah helicopters. These helicopters were introduced in the 1970s and have been used for decades in difficult operations, including Operation Meghdoot in Siachen Glacier in 1984.

In recent years, several accidents involving the Cheetah fleet have been reported. The helicopters are now being slowly replaced by the indigenous Light Utility Helicopter (LUH) developed by Hindustan Aeronautics Limited.

The Army has reportedly ordered six limited-series-production LUHs. The new helicopters can fly at a top speed of 220 kmph and have an operational range of 350 km.

Despite its age, the Cheetah helicopter is still considered one of the best helicopters for high-altitude flying operations.