“Ranya Rao Smuggling Case Now Reached CM” BJP Links Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah to Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
BJP leader Amit Malviya shared a photo of Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah with gold smuggling accused Ranya Rao, claiming the case has reached the CM’s doorstep. The allegations intensify as probes deepen into the actor’s activities.
On Wednesday, Amit Malviya posted a purported image on X showing Siddaramaiah with Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor arrested for smuggling over 14 kilograms of gold. The BJP alleges senior officials aided her operations. Malviya also pointed to Home Minister G. Parmeshwara’s presence in the photo, questioning Congress’s denial of political links.
Ranya Rao was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. She allegedly concealed gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore on her body, including her waist, thighs, and shoes. Subsequent searches at her Bengaluru residence uncovered gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash.
Reports indicate Rao visited Dubai 30 times in the past year, triggering scrutiny from authorities. The DRI seized the smuggled gold upon her return from one such trip earlier this month. Her frequent travels and alleged misuse of protocol services have fueled the ongoing investigation.
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The state government has tasked Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta with investigating DGP K. Ramachandra Rao’s potential role in the case. Rao, Ranya’s stepfather, claims ignorance of her business dealings. A separate CID probe will examine alleged lapses by police officers at the airport, where Rao reportedly received special courtesies.
The government order stated, “It was reported that Ranya misused protocol services provided to her by her father, Ramachandra Rao, to evade airport checks.” This prompted swift action to probe official involvement. Malviya remarked on X, “The Ranya Rao gold smuggling case has now reached the doorstep of Chief Minister Siddaramaiah.”
The BJP claims senior functionaries, including officials, facilitated Rao’s smuggling activities. Malviya criticized Deputy CM DK Shivakumar for dismissing political connections despite the unfolding evidence. The Congress has yet to respond officially to the latest allegations tied to the photograph.
As investigations by the DRI and state authorities progress, focus remains on uncovering any official complicity. The findings of Gaurav Gupta’s probe could reshape the political narrative in Karnataka. Updates are expected as the CID and DRI delve deeper into the high-profile case.
