Extortion bid or political conspiracy? Karimnagar honey-trap allegations trigger major controversy

A major controversy erupted in Telangana’s Karimnagar after allegations of a honey-trap and extortion attempt involving the son of Union Minister and Karimnagar MP Bandi Sanjay Kumar surfaced on Saturday. The matter is currently under police investigation following a formal complaint lodged by Bandi Sai Bhagirath, son of the BJP leader.

According to a press statement issued by the Public Relations Office (PRO) of Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar, a woman allegedly attempted to trap Bhagirath by using her daughter to establish contact with him. The statement claimed that after executing the alleged plan, the woman demanded a large amount of money and later resorted to threats and blackmail.

The complaint filed with Karimnagar police reportedly stated that attempts were being made to extort nearly ₹2 crore to ₹3 crore from Bhagirath. The complainant also alleged that pressure tactics and intimidation increased over time, forcing him to approach the police seeking protection and legal action.

The statement further alleged that the accused woman attempted to alter the narrative by presenting misleading information regarding her daughter’s age. According to the complaint, threats were allegedly made to file a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act while also trying to generate public pressure through sections of the media.

Sources familiar with the case claimed that after the alleged failure to obtain the demanded amount, the woman approached media outlets and attempted to turn the issue into a larger controversy. Allegations have also emerged suggesting that the entire operation may have been politically and financially motivated.

Police officials in Karimnagar have confirmed receiving the complaint and initiating an investigation into the allegations. Investigators are reportedly examining phone records, communication details and other evidence connected to the case. Officials are also probing whether similar complaints or incidents involving the accused woman had surfaced previously.

No arrests had been officially confirmed till late evening, and the police have not publicly disclosed further details regarding the investigation. Authorities also have not confirmed the claims regarding the alleged extortion amount or the accusations surrounding the POCSO threat.

The development has triggered political discussions in Telangana, particularly because of Bandi Sanjay Kumar’s prominent role within the BJP and his position in the Union government. However, officials have maintained that the investigation will proceed based on evidence and legal procedure.

The police are expected to record statements from all parties concerned as part of the ongoing inquiry.