Bengaluru, Mar 14 (UNI) Tamil Nadu BJP President K Annamalai on Friday expressed deep concern over the alleged involvement of influential individuals in the recent gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao.
He called for a thorough and unbiased investigation to ensure that all those responsible are held accountable.
Speaking to reporters here, Annamalai stated, "This is a serious cause for concern. When individuals in positions of power are implicated in such activities, it raises fundamental questions about the integrity of our system. It is deeply troubling to see emboldened individuals at the center of such controversies."
The TN BJP Chief further emphasised the importance of a fair investigation, noting, "The investigation must remain impartial, and those responsible, irrespective of their influence, should face appropriate punishment."
Annamalai was in the city to address a gathering at Jain University on a trending topic of "One Nation, One Election.'
On March 3, 2025, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted the actress at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru upon her arrival from Dubai. Authorities seized gold bars weighing approximately 14.2 kilograms, valued at ₹12.56 crore, concealed on her person.
Subsequent searches at her residence led to the discovery of gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash. Ranya, who is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer and DGP K Ramachandra Rao, allegedly misused VIP protocols at the airport to bypass security checks, a privilege reportedly facilitated by her stepfather.
A Special Court of Economic Offences in Bengaluru has denied Ranya's bail plea, resulting in her continued detention at Parappana Agrahara Central Prison. The court has also remanded co-accused Tarun Raju to 15 days of judicial custody as investigations proceed.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has initiated its own probe into the case, conducting searches at multiple locations in Bengaluru, including properties linked to Ranya's husband, Jatin Vijaykumar Hukkeri.
Investigations have revealed that Ranya's travel expenses to Dubai were covered using Hukkeri's credit card, raising suspicions about his involvement in the smuggling operation.
The Karnataka Home Department initially assigned the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to investigate potential police involvement in the case. However, the decision was retracted within 24 hours, citing concerns over jurisdiction and the need for a specialised probe by central agencies.
The case has sparked significant political debate in Karnataka, with opposition parties questioning the government's handling of the investigation and potential lapses in airport security protocols. Annamalai's call for an impartial investigation reflects broader concerns about the influence of powerful individuals in undermining legal and security systems.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are focusing on dismantling the broader smuggling network and ensuring that all individuals involved, regardless of their social or political standing, are brought to justice.
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