The BJP and Congress allegations of participation, political disputes over the gold smuggling case of Kannada actor Ranya Rao continue to escalate. The Income Intelligence Agency (DRI) retrieved important digital evidence from Ranya’s cell phone and laptop, revealing key details about her communications and association.
Ranya, arrested on March 3 for smuggling gold from Dubai at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, is the stepdaughter of IPS official Ramachandra Rao and currently serves as Director General of Karnataka State Police Housing Company. Officials found contacts from several politicians and police officers on their phones, including current and former ministers. DRI is now analyzing her call records and other data to obtain potential links to the organized network.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka Industrial Zone Development Board (KIADB) clarified on Sunday that Ranya Rao was allocated to establish a steel plant during the BJP-led government.
The board said the allocation was approved in January 2023 – a few months before Congress took office. The clarification was in response to the report that the company, which has a link to Ksiroda India Private Limited Ranya, acquired 12 acres of industrial land. The land is allocated in the Sira Industrial Zone in Tumakuru district. Congress Minister MB Patil further explained that the land was not officially allocated as the company failed to pay the required payments.
BJP accuses Congress minister of blocking Ranya
Vijayendra’s BJP president asked Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reveal the name of the minister allegedly involved in smuggling rackets. He claimed that Ranya has traveled abroad more than 30 times in recent months and has been given a full agreement arrangement upon returning. Vijayendra claims her influence as a senior IPS official has received special treatment from her, including police officers at the airport.
He further pointed out that if Ranya is exempt from security checks, it would indicate the participation of powerful individuals, including the minister. BJP leaders insisted that Hawara operators, gold smuggling mafia and politicians were named. Including MLAS and former ministers, such activities must be publicly supported.
BJP MLA Bharat Shetty claims two congressional ministers are trying to intervene and help Ranya escape legal trouble. “During the arrest, she tried to contact several congressional ministers. “Now, it’s almost intervened in the public sphere.” “He added that the CBI investigation will reveal the truth.
BJP leader CT Ravi called for an investigation into all political ties to the case and questioned the report of Rs 5 million rupees in connection with Ranya’s smuggling operations. He compared the scandal to similar cases in Kerala, asking if Karnataka is now witnessing its own version.
Congress fires, questioning BJP’s land sanctions
Congress leaders pointed to land deals approved by the former BJP government to refute BJP’s claims. Minister MB Patil clarified that despite approval of Ksiroda India Private Limited, a company related to Ranya, the land was never officially allocated because the company failed to pay the required payment.
Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad accused the BJP of double standards, demanding an explanation that the company was approved for land despite its lack of history. “Is she an industrialist or a smuggler? It proves the BJP’s close relationship with her. They have to answer this question before they blame Congress,” he said.
The Chief Minister’s legal counsel, as Ponnanna, also noted that the distribution of land occurs under the BJP rules. “If Vijayendra accuses the Congress minister, he must first name the BJP minister, who approved the deal,” he said.
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