Daijiworld Media Network
Bengaluru, March 12: The Karnataka state BJP unit has raised fresh concerns regarding the involvement of state Ministers in the ongoing gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao, sharing a photograph of the actress alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state Home Minister G. Parameshwara, which they claim was taken on her wedding day.
The BJP posted the photo on its official X (formerly Twitter) handle, prompting further scrutiny over the alleged links between Ranya Rao and these key political figures.
Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after she arrived at Bengaluru from Dubai carrying gold bars worth Rs 14.56 crore.
In the post, the BJP questioned the Congress party, urging it to disclose the identities of two Ministers allegedly connected to the actress. "What is the connection between these two Ministers and the accused?" the BJP's caption read, demanding clarity on the matter.
Leader of Opposition (LoP) R. Ashoka, commenting on the controversy, said, “I don’t have details about this right now, but every day the media discusses the alleged nexus between Ministers and the accused. This scam is not recent; it has been happening for the past five years. It’s not just about the 14 kilograms of gold seized from the actress – further investigation could reveal that the actual quantity is as much as 140 kilograms.”
However, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar maintained that there was no scam. Ashoka responded, stating, “But the people of Karnataka believe it is a major scam.” He further questioned Shivakumar’s stance, adding, “Shivakumar is giving a clean chit, but this case should be investigated by the CBI and central agencies. They will reveal the real culprit and uncover the full extent of the hawala transactions. Shivakumar does not represent any investigating agency,” Ashoka pointed out, stressing that it was a mistake for Shivakumar to offer a clean chit during an ongoing investigation.
Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad responded to the BJP's accusations, stating, “There will be photos of Ranya Rao and many others at various social functions with BJP leaders as well. If the seriousness of a case is decided based on a single photograph from a social gathering, then this case is politically motivated.”
Arshad then shifted the focus back to the BJP, saying, “I want to ask the BJP — within 40 days of alleged gold smuggler Ranya Rao applying for 12 acres of land with the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB), her application was approved, and she was allotted land by the BJP government at the very end of their tenure. Was there a special service for smugglers under your government? A common businessman would never have been allotted land worth crores within 50 days during the BJP’s tenure. Now, they are preaching to us and pointing fingers?”
He added, “The CBI should investigate all BJP leaders involved in allotting 12 acres of land within 40 days to her. The BJP should clarify whether she is an industrialist or a smuggler.”
Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil responded to the controversy, stating, “Everyone knows how the Central government functions. They are using the CBI, ED, and IT departments as extensions of their party. No Congress Minister is involved in this. Maybe, BJP leaders are, but I am not aware.”
BJP MLC C.T. Ravi, who also weighed in on the case, said, “Big names are being discussed in connection with the Ranya Rao case. The role of two Ministers is also under scrutiny. Who are these Ministers? What was their involvement, and what did they receive in return? This should be investigated.”
He continued, “It’s one thing for people to attend weddings, as everyone is invited. However, an investigation should determine who is truly behind the gold smuggling. Without an investigation, neither a clean chit nor allegations should be made. I am not naming anyone, but the public is debating which Ministers might be involved, and the probe should establish the truth.”
Congress MLA Ajay Singh also responded, saying, “The Central government should be held responsible for the gold smuggling case because this involves an international flight from Dubai to Bengaluru. How did this happen? The Centre should have been aware.”
Ranya Rao was arrested last Monday by DRI officials after smuggling gold into Bengaluru International Airport. Following her arrest, the Karnataka state government ordered two separate investigations to determine the role of her father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, in allegedly granting her protocol privileges and police escorts during her travels.
The state government investigations are being conducted by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a senior IAS officer. Meanwhile, the CBI and DRI are also carrying out investigations into the case.