Synopsis
B.Y. Vijayendra, Karnataka BJP chief, claims two ministers from Congress may be involved in the gold smuggling case surrounding actress Ranya Rao, raising serious concerns about the integrity of the Karnataka government amid ongoing investigations.Key Takeaways
- B.Y. Vijayendra alleges involvement of Congress ministers in gold smuggling.
- Ranya Rao was caught with Rs 12.36 crore worth of gold.
- Investigation reveals links to hawala and cryptocurrency.
- Ranya's attempt to contact a minister raises suspicions.
- CBI and DRI are actively investigating the case.
Bengaluru, March 10 (NationPress) The Karnataka BJP president, B.Y. Vijayendra, has put forth accusations regarding the alleged involvement of two ministers from the Congress administration in the alarming gold smuggling case associated with Kannada actress Ranya Rao.
On Monday, Vijayendra described the case, which has gained attention in Bengaluru, as a rare incident in the annals of the country’s legal history. This situation has woven a complex web of suspicion involving prominent figures within the state government.
“Recent reports indicate that two ministers could be implicated, which is a deeply troubling scenario,” Vijayendra remarked.
“The investigation has uncovered connections to hawala transactions, and during her apprehension, Ranya Rao reportedly attempted to reach out to a minister. This raises significant doubts about the involvement of powerful individuals from the Congress-led Karnataka government. Moreover, given that Ranya Rao is the daughter of a high-ranking police officer, the integrity of the entire system is now called into question, tarnishing the state's reputation. Therefore, I urge the Chief Minister to reveal the facts surrounding this case to the public,” Vijayendra insisted.
“If ministers are indeed part of this situation, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah would likely have prior knowledge. The government must operate transparently, identify those responsible, and ensure that justice is served. Neglecting to do so will stain the entire administration due to this scandal. It is essential for the Chief Minister to take moral responsibility and deliver justice. Should the government conceal the corrupt individuals as seen in past scandals, it will inevitably face humiliation, especially with the ongoing CBI investigation. This case extends beyond just one actress; the inquiry has already revealed a large operation functioning behind the scenes,” Vijayendra asserted.
“Ranya Rao was apprehended for smuggling gold worth Rs 12.36 crore in one instance. What other quantities might she have smuggled previously? How many others are implicated in this smuggling ring? An in-depth investigation is critical to unveil the full scale of operations. With the CBI now involved, the public is optimistic that the inquiry will reach a logical conclusion,” he noted.
Sources have indicated that the CBI has initiated a suo moto investigation into the matter and is looking into the roles of two ministers. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and customs officials are also examining the case.
The DRI's investigation has revealed the participation of influential individuals and has briefed the CBI on these findings. Reports further reveal that during her arrest, Ranya Rao attempted to contact a serving minister, which led DRI officials to confiscate her mobile phone.
The inquiry has also disclosed that payments were made through hawala and cryptocurrency.
Additionally, it has been suggested that Ranya Rao only supplied smuggled goods to specific gold merchants and declined to cater to other gold traders, which prompted those traders to alert the DRI about the smuggling activity.
Currently, Ranya Rao is in DRI custody and is undergoing intense questioning regarding the seizures. The CBI is preparing to take her into their custody, according to sources.
Kannada actress Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, stated to the DRI upon her arrest that she operates as a freelancer in the real estate sector in Dubai and consented to smuggle 17 bars of gold.
DRI officials apprehended Ranya Rao, seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her at Bengaluru International Airport last Monday night.
The agency also confiscated gold valued at Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore from her upscale flat on Lavelle Road, where she reportedly pays a rent of Rs 4.5 lakh.
Karnataka DGP for Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao, expressed his devastation upon learning about the arrest of his step-daughter, actress Ranya Rao, stating he was completely caught off guard by this turn of events.
