Kannada Actress Ranya Rao in Judicial Custody Over Gold Smuggling Case
NEW DELHI: Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya, widely known as Ranya Rao, has been sent to judicial custody until March 24 in connection with an alleged ₹12 crore gold smuggling case. This shocking development comes against the backdrop of intense political rivalry in Karnataka, as the ruling Congress party and the opposition BJP engage in a heated exchange of allegations regarding favoritism and cover-ups.
BJP Claims Minister’s Involvement, Congress Responds
The BJP has alleged that a prominent minister in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s government is shielding Ranya Rao, hinting at a broader nexus involved in the smuggling operation. Karnataka BJP President B Y Vijayendra took to social media platform X, describing the situation as “one of the biggest gold heists in recent times,” and holding the Congress government responsible for generating scandals.
Vijayendra asserted that such extensive smuggling could not occur without the involvement of influential government figures. He warned that any attempts to obstruct the investigation would be counterproductive, especially with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) now involved.
Congress Hits Back with Land Allotment Allegations
In a surprising twist, the Congress party has countered by revealing that the previous BJP government allocated 12 acres of land to Ranya Rao’s company, Ksiroda India, for a steel plant in February 2023. Minister M B Patil presented official documents, suggesting that the BJP is questioning the same individual they had previously supported.
Ongoing Investigation and Arrests
State Home Minister G Parameshwara has urged patience, assuring that both state and central agencies are diligently working on the investigation. “Neither I nor the government can comment until the investigation is complete,” he stated.
In a further development, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested a man linked to the case, reportedly the son of a prominent hotelier in Bengaluru, adding yet another layer to this unfolding controversy.
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