Synopsis
Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai commented on the land allocation to actress Ranya Rao, asserting that a thorough investigation into her network is essential. He emphasized that the case did not reach the Chief Minister's approval level, and various details regarding the land allocation process were clarified during a media briefing.Key Takeaways
- Former CM Bommai calls for a thorough probe into Ranya Rao's network.
- Land allocation process did not require Chief Minister approval.
- Decision-making for projects under Rs 500 crore occurs at the ministerial level.
- CBI investigation is crucial to uncover the truth behind the gold smuggling case.
- Minister M. B. Patil will investigate BJP involvement in land allocation.
Bengaluru, March 10 (NationPress) In response to the allocation of 12 acres of land by the prior BJP administration to actress Ranya Rao, who is currently imprisoned on charges of gold smuggling, former Chief Minister of Karnataka, Basavaraj Bommai, asserted that a comprehensive investigation is necessary to uncover her network. The BJP MP highlighted that the case regarding her land allocation did not reach the Chief Minister for endorsement.
During a press interaction in Delhi on Monday, Bommai stated that during his administration, the documentation for the land granted to M/s Xiroda India Pvt. Ltd., where Ranya Rao held a directorial position, never reached the Chief Minister's desk for consent.
He specified that land was designated for M/s Xiroda India Pvt. Ltd. located in the Shira Industrial Area, where Ranya Rao was a director.
Bommai explained that when individuals seek land for industrial endeavors, the state mandates necessary agreements.
A Land Audit Committee, consisting of senior officials including the Principal Secretary, evaluates and advocates land allocations.
For projects valued at up to Rs 500 crore, decisions are made at the ministerial level without requiring the Chief Minister's approval, as per Bommai.
He further elaborated that the allocation of industrial land is facilitated through the Single Window Proceeding, overseen by the Minister of Industries, and once the land is allocated, a payment notice is issued.
Bommai pointed out that since the company failed to make the payment, the land was not officially transferred.
He emphasized that numerous applications are submitted for industrial purposes, and land is allocated to foster state development, with the current administration having also allocated thousands of crores in land.
Bommai remarked that it is impossible to foresee whether an applicant may engage in criminal activity in the future.
An investigation is underway concerning the actress's alleged illegal gold smuggling from Dubai.
He urged that the inquiry should be comprehensive, ensuring that the guilty parties are held accountable.
Reports indicate that two ministers are implicated in the case. Bommai demanded a thorough investigation, stating that this appears to be part of a broader issue.
He insisted on revealing the network behind this crime, stressing that such extensive smuggling operations could not occur without official involvement.
Bommai asserted that a CBI inquiry would uncover the truth and expose all concealed aspects of the case.
M. B. Patil, Minister for Large and Medium Industries, has affirmed that he will investigate the involvement of BJP politicians in the allocation of 13 acres of land to jailed actress Ranya Rao.
The actress was apprehended while attempting to smuggle gold at Bengaluru International Airport last Monday. She is currently in custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), with the matter also under investigation by the CBI.
When questioned about any involvement of BJP politicians in securing land for Ranya Rao and others, Minister Patil stated that he would examine all relevant details.
“I will likely have information by this evening and will share it with the media,” Minister Patil concluded.
