Synopsis
The BJP in Karnataka has raised eyebrows by sharing a supposed wedding photo of Ranya Rao alongside Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister G. Parameshwara. The incident is linked to ongoing investigations into Rao's gold smuggling case, prompting political tensions and calls for accountability.Key Takeaways
- The BJP shared an image of Ranya Rao with state officials.
- Ranya Rao was arrested for smuggling gold worth Rs 14.56 crore.
- Political leaders are calling for investigations into alleged connections.
- Questions arise about the speed of land allotment to Rao.
- Central agencies are involved in the ongoing investigation.
Bengaluru, March 12 (NationPress) The Karnataka unit of the BJP on Wednesday circulated a photograph purportedly from actor Ranya Rao's wedding, featuring Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and state Home Minister G. Parameshwara.
The image was shared on the BJP Karnataka's X account.
On March 3, Ranya Rao was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) upon her return from Dubai, carrying gold bars valued at Rs 14.56 crore.
The BJP's caption raised queries toward the Congress party, pressing them to disclose the names of two ministers purportedly linked to Ranya Rao.
Opposition Leader R. Ashoka commented, “I don’t have details about this right now. 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 is not just about the 14 kilograms of gold seized from the actress -- after the investigation, it could turn out to be 140 kilograms.”
However, Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar insisted that there was no scam. “But the people of Karnataka believe it is a major scam,” Ashoka stated.
“On the other hand, Shivakumar is giving a clean chit. This case should be investigated by the CBI and central agencies -- they will reveal the real culprit and determine the extent of hawala transactions. Shivakumar does not represent any investigating agency,” Ashoka added.
“As Deputy Chief Minister, giving a clean chit in an ongoing investigation is a mistake,” Ashoka pointed out.
In response to the controversy, Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad stated, “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.”
“Secondly, I want to ask the BJP that 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 the land by the BJP government at the very end of their tenure,” Arshad said.
“I want to ask BJP leaders -- 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 us and pointing fingers at us?” Arshad 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,” he demanded.
Minister for Medical Education Sharan Prakash Patil stated, “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 mentioned that significant names were being discussed concerning 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 added, “It is 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 stated, “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 for smuggling gold upon her arrival at Bengaluru International Airport. Under pressure, the state government has ordered two separate investigations into the case to determine the role of jailed actress Ranya Rao’s father, DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, in granting her protocol privileges and police escorts.
The investigations are being conducted separately by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and a senior IAS officer.
The Central agencies, the CBI and the DRI, are also probing the case.
