Bengaluru, May 22 (UNI) Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar on Thursday confirmed that Home Minister Dr G Parameshwara gave Rs 40 lakh to actress Ranya Rao — now an accused in a gold smuggling case — but indicated that the money was given as a wedding gift and bore no connection to any illegal activity.

Breaking his silence on the issue that has triggered a political storm, Shivakumar told reporters here that the sum could have been extended during a family wedding, which he too had attended, and dismissed the BJP’s claim that it amounted to an admission of guilt.

"Yes, he is not denying that Rs 40 lakh was given. But what is important is — for what purpose was it given? It was not to support gold smuggling. It was for a marriage, a family occasion. That's what I feel," Shivakumar said, while accusing the opposition of trying to "manufacture a controversy" for political gain.

The Congress state president said he had personally spoken to Dr Parameshwara after questions were raised about the transaction and the association with Ranya Rao, who has been named in a recent gold smuggling investigation.

"She may be an accused now, but at the time this was simply a marriage function. Dr Parameshwara had known her through an officer who worked with him. If he gave a gift on that occasion, it was out of goodwill," Shivakumar clarified.

The BJP, however, has demanded a probe, alleging that a government figure giving such a large sum to an individual now under investigation raises serious questions of propriety and possible complicity.

In response, Shivakumar said, "The money may have come from a trust. We too engage in charity. Donations are made to people from time to time. This was one such gesture."

Calling for restraint, the Deputy CM urged the media and opposition to refrain from linking the wedding gift to the ongoing gold smuggling case without evidence. "We do not wish to interfere with the investigation or defend anyone accused. But don’t drag names without reason," he said. UNI BDN SSP