Mysuru Honeytrap Scandal: Cop Among 3 Arrested for Luring and Extorting Clothing Store Owner

MYSURU, JUNE 2025 — A shocking honeytrap extortion scandal involving a serving police constable from Hunsur Rural Police Station has come to light in Karnataka’s Mysuru district. The accused allegedly lured a local clothing-store owner into a fabricated romantic relationship before violently assaulting him and attempting to extort ₹10 lakh. The case has sparked public outrage and triggered an internal investigation within the Karnataka Police.

The Incident: A Calculated Trap

The incident unfolded earlier this month when the victim—a well-known businessman running a retail clothing outlet in Hunsur—was contacted via social media by a woman posing as a potential romantic interest. Over the course of several weeks, the victim was gradually drawn into what he believed to be a genuine relationship.

According to police officials, the woman, acting in coordination with the suspects, convinced the victim to meet in a private location on the outskirts of Hunsur. Upon arrival, he was ambushed by three men, including an on-duty constable from the Hunsur Rural Police Station. The group proceeded to physically assault him and demanded ₹10 lakh in exchange for not releasing fabricated compromising footage.

Escape and Arrest

The victim managed to escape the scene after a brief scuffle and immediately reported the incident to the local authorities. Acting swiftly, Mysuru District Police launched an investigation and arrested Constable Naveen Kumar, the alleged ringleader of the operation. Two other accomplices, believed to be long-time associates of Kumar, were also taken into custody.

All three suspects have been remanded to judicial custody following their initial court appearance. A senior official confirmed that Constable Kumar has been suspended with immediate effect, pending departmental proceedings.

“It is deeply disturbing that a law enforcement officer has misused his position to commit such a serious crime,” said Mysuru Superintendent of Police Seema Latkar in a press briefing. “We are taking this case very seriously and will ensure justice is served.”

Pattern or One-Off? Police Launch Internal Probe

While the case has shocked the public, local law enforcement officials have not ruled out the possibility that this may not have been an isolated incident. The internal affairs division has launched a broader probe to determine whether other officers may have been involved in similar scams, or if the same group targeted additional victims.

“Any officer found abusing their badge for personal gain will face the full extent of the law,” stated a senior source within the Karnataka Police Department.

Public Reaction and Legal Ramifications

The incident has drawn widespread condemnation on social media, especially as it involves a serving police officer. Citizens are calling for stricter background checks and more accountability in police recruitment and supervision.

Legal experts suggest the accused may face charges under IPC Sections 384 (extortion), 354 (assault on a woman), 506 (criminal intimidation), and 120B (criminal conspiracy). If convicted, they could face up to 10 years in prison, depending on the court’s assessment of the evidence.

According to The Times of India’s report on the case, the victim is currently under protection and cooperating with the investigation.

Police Reform Demands Rise Again

This case adds to a growing chorus of demands for institutional police reform in India. Critics argue that unchecked local power structures enable corruption and misuse of authority—particularly in rural jurisdictions where victims often feel powerless.

Organizations such as the Commonwealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI) have long called for an independent complaints mechanism and civilian oversight to monitor police behavior. They maintain that without systemic reforms, such incidents are bound to recur.

Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Law Enforcement

The Mysuru honeytrap case is a disturbing reminder of how power, when unchecked, can be manipulated for personal gain—even by those tasked with upholding the law. As the legal process unfolds, the focus will remain on how swiftly and transparently justice is delivered—not just for the victim, but to preserve public trust in the system itself.