Did Karnataka's Dy CM Shivakumar Claim Parameshwara Gave Money to Ranya Rao Without Requesting Gold Smuggling?

Bengaluru, May 22 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has stated that the state's Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, might have presented money to Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who is currently embroiled in a gold smuggling scandal, as a wedding gift.

Addressing the media on Thursday regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on educational institutions owned by Parameshwara linked to Ranya Rao, Shivakumar remarked, “I met with Home Minister Parameshwara this morning, and he informed me that he had provided between Rs 15 to 25 lakh. In public life, many individuals manage trusts, and it's customary to give gifts during weddings and similar events.”

When directly questioned about whether Parameshwara had given money to Ranya Rao, the primary suspect in the gold smuggling case, Shivakumar replied, “He might have given her a gift. There were marriage celebrations in their family, and it would be normal to present a gift.”

He further emphasized, “When I spoke with Parameshwara, he indicated that the money was a wedding gift. This is entirely reasonable.”

“That does not imply that a prominent figure like Parameshwara would have solicited her to engage in gold smuggling. Who would endorse such behavior? If she has committed any wrongdoing, she will face the law,” Shivakumar stated.

“We have no objections to any legal proceedings against her. Regarding Parameshwara, he is a law-abiding citizen and the Home Minister of our state. We take pride in him. He is a respected leader,” he added.

Shivakumar continued, “He has been a dedicated member of the Congress for eight years and has made significant contributions to the state. He has been an MLA since 1989, serving alongside me, and has held ministerial positions. I have known him for years—he is an honest individual. If he gave anything, it was merely a wedding gift.”

“This morning, I assured him of our support,” he remarked.

“In public circles, it is common to present wedding gifts ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 10 lakh. He may have done the same. There is nothing inappropriate about that. No minister or politician will condone her actions. It is her personal affair, and justice will take its course,” he reiterated.

“As for Parameshwara, he encounters thousands of individuals daily. He may not be aware of everyone’s background. The law will proceed as it should, and we do not intend to intervene,” Shivakumar stated.

This situation is expected to ignite debate, as the opposition BJP has already associated the gold smuggling incident with the ED raids on educational institutions owned by Home Minister Parameshwara.

Earlier, Parameshwara refrained from commenting on the alleged connection between the ED raids at his institutions and the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao.

During a media interaction, when asked about the ongoing raids related to Ranya Rao's gold smuggling case, Parameshwara said, “The investigation is in progress. The final outcome is what matters. Until then, everything remains speculative.”

He stated, “As someone in a responsible role, I will avoid making speculative comments.”

Meanwhile, the ED persisted with its raids for the second consecutive day on educational institutions associated with Parameshwara in Tumakuru city.

While ED sources confirmed that their operations were connected to financial transactions regarding the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao, official verification is pending.

Sources disclosed that the ED uncovered a payment of Rs 40 lakh made to Ranya Rao's account from the educational trust linked to Minister Parameshwara. They further claimed that this payment was made following oral instructions. A credit card bill of Rs 40 lakh was settled by the educational institution and was labeled as payment for staffing services, according to sources.

An official statement is anticipated once the raids conclude.

During a press conference, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka stated that the “Siddhartha Educational Institutions are under investigation concerning the gold smuggling case.”

“The ED is a governmental investigative body. Evidence indicates that gold has been brought here and distributed to multiple individuals. They may have obtained information regarding the investment of gold smuggling proceeds into the Siddhartha Educational institutions,” Ashoka noted.

“Action should be taken against all involved. Congress leaders do not shy away from issues like the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and Valmiki Corporation scams. Those responsible must face the music,” he asserted.

Criticizing the central government for the ED raids on Minister Parameshwara's educational institutions, Congress termed it an act of frustration by the BJP.

National General Secretary and Karnataka In-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala took to social media X on Wednesday, stating, “The ED raids on the Educational Institutions of Karnataka’s Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, one of the most prominent SC Leaders, are a frustrated reaction by the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government in response to granting ownership rights to 1 lakh SC-ST families yesterday (May 20) at Hospet.”