Synopsis
The Karnataka government will investigate the land allotment to actress Ranya Rao, linked to BJP politicians, after her arrest for gold smuggling. Minister M.B. Patil announced plans to verify details regarding the 12-acre allocation by the previous BJP administration.Key Takeaways
- Investigation Initiated: Minister M.B. Patil to investigate BJP politicians' involvement.
- Land Allotment Details: 12 acres were allocated for a TMT factory.
- Legal Proceedings: DRI and CBI are probing the gold smuggling case.
- Job Creation: The project proposed to generate 160 jobs.
- Controversy Expected: Tensions between Congress and BJP likely to escalate.
Bengaluru, March 10 (NationPress) The Minister for Large and Medium Industries, M.B. Patil, announced on Monday his intention to investigate the connections of BJP politicians concerning the allocation of 12 acres of land to jailed Kannada actress Ranya Rao.
Ranya Rao was apprehended last Monday at the Bengaluru International Airport while attempting to smuggle gold.
Currently, she is under the custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), and the matter is also under investigation by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
In response to the news regarding the land allotment made to Ranya Rao by the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) during the previous BJP administration, Minister Patil remarked, "I learned about the allocation of 12 acres of land to the jailed actress Ranya Rao in Sira, Tumakuru district through media reports. I have confirmed this with my officials. The land was designated for a TMT factory and was allocated to her, her two brothers, and some associates."
"This land was allocated in February 2023 by the former BJP government. That's the information I possess. I have requested additional details and am verifying whether the payment has been made, possession of the land taken, and if the project has been initiated," Minister Patil continued.
When questioned about the possible involvement of BJP politicians in securing the land for Ranya Rao and her associates, Minister Patil affirmed that he will investigate all relevant details.
"If the payments have not been made and if the project hasn’t been initiated within the specified timeframe, the KIADB will reclaim the land," he asserted.
"I expect to have more information by this evening, which I will share with the press," he added.
In response to allegations from Karnataka BJP chief, B.Y. Vijayendra, claiming that Ranya Rao contacted a minister upon her arrest, Minister Patil stated he was unaware of the situation and suggested that Vijayendra should disclose which minister received a call from her.
A.S Ponanna, Congress MLA and Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, highlighted that Ranya Rao is the daughter of a senior police officer and that the land allotment occurred in 2023 under the BJP’s governance.
“If B.Y. Vijayendra claims that ministers are implicated in this issue, he must provide the names of those ministers. He should clarify which minister is accountable for the land allocation,” he demanded.
Meanwhile, KIADB confirmed that M/s Ksiroda India Pvt. Ltd., a company associated with Ranya Rao, was granted 12 acres of land on January 2, 2023.
The CEO, Mahesh, explained that the land, situated in the Sira Industrial Area of Tumakuru district, was approved for allocation during the 137th State Level Single Window Clearance Committee (SLSWCC) meeting held on the same day when the previous BJP government was in power.
The company proposed to establish a manufacturing unit for Steel TMT bars, rods, and related products, with an investment of Rs 138 crore.
“The project was anticipated to create around 160 jobs,” he noted.
This issue is poised to ignite controversy in the state and set the ruling Congress and the Opposition BJP on a collision course.
Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, claimed during her statement to the DRI on the day of her arrest that she is a freelancer in the real estate market in Dubai and consented to smuggle 17 bars of gold.
The DRI officials detained Ranya Rao after confiscating 14.8 kg of gold from her at the Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night.
The agency also seized cash worth Rs 2.06 crore in gold and Rs 2.67 crore from her luxury flat on Lavelle Road, where her rent was reportedly Rs 4.5 lakh.
K. Ramachandra Rao, DGP for Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, commented on his stepdaughter's arrest on Thursday, expressing that he is devastated and was unaware of the circumstances involving Ranya Rao.
