Honey trap racket busted in Hassan; part-time law lecturer among four arrested

Hassan: A dangerous honey trap racket targeting poor and vulnerable women has been busted by police in Holenarasipura of Hassan district. Four persons, including the alleged kingpin Nagalakshmi, her husband Siddique, and private lab technician Dharmaraju alias Phani, have been arrested in connection with the case.

According to police, the accused used financially distressed and socially vulnerable women to threaten men with false rape allegations and extort money. A case has been registered, and further investigation is underway.

The case came to light following an incident on February 13, when a man known to the victim visited her residence. During the visit, another woman allegedly clicked photographs of the two together and sent them to Nagalakshmi.

Using the photographs as leverage, Nagalakshmi and her associates reportedly approached the victim and pressured her to file a rape complaint against the man. When the woman refused to lodge a complaint, the accused allegedly escalated their actions.

Phani, who runs a private laboratory in Holenarasipura, was reportedly brought to the victim’s house. Under the pretext of conducting a medical examination, he is accused of forcibly touching her private parts.

The gang then allegedly threatened the victim, claiming they had “evidence” against her and warning that they would inform her husband if she did not cooperate. Police said the accused planned to use the fabricated case to extort money.

On February 15, the victim was reportedly forced to go to the police station. However, she hesitated to file a formal complaint and broke down in tears. Sensing something amiss, police referred her to a counselling centre for detailed questioning. It was during this process that the entire honey trap operation came to light.

Investigations have revealed that Nagalakshmi is a part-time lecturer at a government law college. Sources indicate that her name had surfaced in previous controversies as well. Police suspect that the gang systematically identified women facing marital or financial distress and exploited their vulnerability to run the racket.

Officials believe more victims may come forward as the investigation progresses. Holenarasipura police have intensified the probe and are examining whether the accused were involved in similar cases in the past. Authorities have assured strict legal action against those found guilty.

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