Synopsis
On March 12, Karnataka BJP President B.Y. Vijayendra questioned actress Ranya Rao's gold smuggling case, highlighting her numerous trips from Dubai to Bengaluru. He emphasized the need for an investigation into the matter and raised concerns about the involvement of influential individuals.Key Takeaways
- B.Y. Vijayendra questions gold smuggling by Ranya Rao.
- Ranya Rao made 30 to 40 trips from Dubai to Bengaluru.
- Gold worth Rs 14 crore was seized upon her arrest.
- CIDs and IAS officers are investigating her father's role.
- The ongoing gold smuggling case raises broader concerns in the Assembly.
Bengaluru, March 12 (NationPress) The President of Karnataka BJP and MLA B.Y. Vijayendra raised significant questions on Wednesday regarding the gold smuggling case tied to actress Ranya Rao. He inquired about the amount of gold she might have illicitly brought into India during her 30 to 40 trips from Dubai to Bengaluru.
During a press briefing at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru, Vijayendra expressed, “We have never encountered gold smuggling of this magnitude in the state. The daughter of a senior IPS officer traveled to Dubai multiple times and received royal treatment upon her return to Bengaluru. There were circumstances where no one could intervene or perform security checks.”
“Upon her arrest, gold valued at Rs 14 crore was seized from her. Considering her repeated travels between Bengaluru and Dubai, how much gold might she have imported into our nation? What about the potential involvement of hawala money? Who are the influential individuals behind this? Allegations suggest ministerial connections, and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is conducting a thorough inquiry into the situation,” Vijayendra noted.
He underscored the necessity for this matter to be deliberated in the Assembly.
When questioned about the allegations made by BJP MLA S.T. Somashekar that BJP leaders might have connections to the gold smuggling case, Vijayendra replied, “It is widely known why MLA Somashekar is backing the Congress-led government. We have made a decision concerning him at the state level; a report has been submitted to the national leadership, and we are now awaiting their verdict.”
However, he emphasized that other urgent matters also require attention. “There are rising prices, Anganwadi and ASHA workers are protesting statewide, and guest lecturers are also agitating. The state government is unable to meet their demands. Additionally, while addressing the gold smuggling issue, the government is also closing down new universities in the state. We will address all these matters in the upcoming session,” he added.
Ranya Rao was apprehended last Monday by officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for smuggling gold upon her landing at Bengaluru International Airport. Under pressure, the state government has initiated two separate investigations into the case to ascertain the role of the jailed actress Ranya Rao’s father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, regarding the protocol privileges and police escorts granted to her.
The investigations are being conducted separately by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a senior IAS officer.
Central agencies, including the CBI and DRI, are also investigating the case. The actress was detained by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) personnel at the airport.
