Bengaluru, Mar 10 (UNI) The BJP on Monday alleged that Congress ministers were involved in the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao and attempted to help her evade legal consequences.
Karnataka BJP President Vijayendra Yediyurappa termed the case as one of the "rarest" in the country's history and called for a transparent investigation.
Ranya was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai. The case has drawn significant attention as Rao is the daughter of a senior police officer, with BJP leaders claiming that Congress ministers tried to intervene on her behalf.
BJP leader Bharath Shetty stated, "The smuggling case is a serious offence. During the incident, she allegedly contacted Congress ministers for assistance. It is now widely believed that two ministers attempted to intervene in her favour. With the CBI now handling the case, significant revelations are expected."
Vijayendra asserted that Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah must ensure transparency in the probe. "Ranya Rao is also the daughter of a senior police officer. Given this background, the Chief Minister must reveal the facts of the case to the public. If any ministers are involved, the Chief Minister already possesses the relevant information," he said.
He further alleged that the government may attempt to shield those involved, saying, "If the government intends to protect the corrupt, as seen in previous scandals, the CBI will continue its probe. The smuggling network is extensive, and the investigation must be pursued to its logical conclusion."
Shetty also addressed a separate land allotment issue linked to the case, clarifying that the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) had allotted 12 acres of land to Ksiroda India Pvt Ltd, a company associated with Ranya, in Sira Industrial Area, Tumakuru district, on January 2, 2023.
"The land allocation was approved in the 137th State Level Single Window Clearance Committee meeting when the previous government was in power. The company proposed setting up a manufacturing unit for Steel TMT bars, rods, and allied products, with an investment of Rs 138 crore," he stated.
"The Congress has been alleging procedural irregularities, but the CBI investigation will bring out the truth. This case highlights the state’s deteriorating law and order situation. The government should have remained impartial, but its involvement raises serious concerns," Shetty added. UNI BDN SSP