The Maharashtra Legislative Assembly has been rocked by allegations of a widespread honeytrap scandal, with Congress leader Nana Patole presenting a pen drive as purported evidence. Patole claims that over 72 senior officials and some ministers of the ruling Mahayuti government have fallen victim to honey traps, leading to the leakage of sensitive information to anti-social elements and instances of blackmail. He raised the issue in the Assembly, urging the Speaker to issue directives, emphasizing the seriousness of the matter and the government's apparent lack of response.

Patole stated that cities like Thane, Nashik, and Mumbai have become centers of these honey trap operations. He expressed concern that important government documents are being leaked through these traps. While presenting the pen drive, Patole said he did not intend to malign anyone's image but insisted the government address the issue's gravity.

The issue resonated in the Legislative Council, where Opposition Leader Ambadas Danve echoed Patole's claims. Danve warned that the involvement of political leaders and senior officials in honey traps poses a threat to administrative secrecy and the state's law and order.

Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde responded to the allegations, assuring the Assembly that the government has taken the matter seriously and will investigate. However, Patole's concerns were reportedly initially brushed aside, sparking protests from the Opposition. Shiv Sena (UBT) MLA Bhaskar Jadhav accused the state government of misleading the Opposition, pointing to conflicting statements from government officials. Minister of State for Home Yogesh Kadam clarified that his earlier statement was unrelated to the alleged honeytrap.

NCP (SP) spokesperson Mahesh Tapase expressed grave concern over media reports of the scandal, estimating that 72 to 75 senior government officials, including Class One officers, law enforcement officers, and politicians, have been ensnared. Tapase highlighted the network's reach across major cities like Mumbai, Thane, Pune, and Nashik, posing a threat to the state's administration integrity. He raised questions about the government's silence, the intelligence agencies' failure to detect the operation, and the measures being implemented to prevent such crimes. Tapase also noted reports indicating that the alleged mastermind behind the racket is from Nashik and a former office-bearer of a political party.

The alleged modus operandi involves individuals posing as distressed persons, building trust through digital and personal interactions, and then secretly recording compromising photos and videos for blackmail, with threats of false rape charges. This points to a highly organized criminal enterprise.

Assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar has directed the government to make a statement on the issue before the conclusion of the Monsoon Session. The opposition has demanded a thorough probe into the matter, emphasizing the potential compromise of sensitive government information and the need for strict action.