Did Parameshwara Give Money to Ranya Rao for Gold Smuggling?

Bengaluru, May 22 (NationPress) Karnataka's Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar stated that the state's Home Minister, G. Parameshwara, might have presented Kannada actress Ranya Rao, implicated in the gold smuggling scandal, with a monetary gift for her wedding.

During a media interaction on Thursday regarding the Enforcement Directorate (ED) investigations into Parameshwara's educational institutions that connect him to Ranya Rao, Shivakumar remarked, “I met with Home Minister Parameshwara this morning, and he informed me that he had given between Rs 15 to 25 lakh. In our public lives, many of us manage trusts, and it is customary to give gifts during weddings and other significant occasions.”

When pressed on whether Parameshwara had indeed given money to Ranya Rao, the principal suspect in the gold smuggling matter, Shivakumar responded, “He might have given it to her. There were marriage ceremonies in their family, and such gifts are typical.”

“In our discussion, Parameshwara clarified that the funds were a wedding present, which is quite normal,” he emphasized.

“This does not imply that a prominent figure like Parameshwara would have coerced her into engaging in gold smuggling. Would anyone endorse such behavior? If she has committed an offense, she will face the law,” Shivakumar asserted.

“We have no objections to legal proceedings against her. Parameshwara is a law-abiding citizen and serves as the Home Minister of our state. We take pride in him. He is a respected senior leader,” he added.

Shivakumar continued, “He has held the position of State Congress President for eight years and has made significant contributions to our state. He has been an MLA since 1989, alongside me, and has served as a minister. My long acquaintance with him confirms that he is an honest man. Any gifts he may have given would have been for a wedding.”

“I met him earlier today and assured him of our support,” he noted.

“In public life, we commonly give wedding gifts that can range from Rs 10,000 to 10 lakh. He could have done likewise. There’s nothing improper about that. No minister or politician would condone the actions of the woman involved; it is her private affair, and the law will take its course,” he reiterated.

“Regarding Parameshwara, he encounters thousands of individuals daily. He may not be aware of everyone’s background. The law will proceed as necessary, and we do not plan to intervene,” Shivakumar stated.

This situation is poised to incite controversy, especially with the opposition BJP already connecting the gold smuggling affair with the ED raids on Parameshwara’s educational institutions.

Earlier today, Parameshwara refrained from commenting on the alleged connection between the ED operations at his institutions and the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao.

When queried about the ongoing raids tied to Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case, Parameshwara remarked, “The investigation is progressing. The final outcome is what truly matters. Until then, everything remains speculative.”

He added, “As someone in a responsible position, I will refrain from making speculative comments.”

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) continued its operations for a second consecutive day at educational institutions associated with Parameshwara in Tumakuru city.

ED sources confirmed that the raids and searches are related to financial dealings in connection with the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao, though official confirmation is still awaited.

Sources indicate that the ED has discovered a payment of Rs 40 lakh that was transferred to Ranya Rao's account from the educational trust associated with Minister Parameshwara. It was alleged that the payment occurred as per verbal instructions. The credit card payment of Rs 40 lakh was processed by the educational institution, recorded as payment for labor provision, sources disclosed.

An official statement regarding this matter is anticipated once the raids conclude.

During a press conference, Leader of Opposition R. Ashoka stated, “The Siddhartha Educational Institutions are under investigation concerning the gold smuggling case.”

“The ED is a government investigation agency. Evidence suggests that gold was smuggled here and distributed to various individuals. They may have gleaned intelligence about the gold smuggling funds being invested in the Siddhartha Education institutions,” Ashoka asserted.

“All individuals implicated must be held accountable. Congress leaders are undeterred, even amidst controversies like the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) and Valmiki Corporation scams. Those guilty must face consequences,” he declared.

The Congress party criticized the Central government for the ED raids on Parameshwara’s educational institutions, labeling it as an act of desperation by the BJP.

National General Secretary and Karnataka In-Charge Randeep Singh Surjewala took to social media X on Wednesday, stating, “The ED raids on Karnataka’s Home Minister G. Parameshwara, one of the most esteemed leaders from the SC community, reflect the BJP's frustration and the Modi government's reaction to the granting of ownership rights to 1 lakh SC-ST families yesterday (May 20) in Hospet.”