Kannada movie actor Ranya Rao (33) was arrested by the Income Intelligence Agency (DRI) during an attempt to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold, worth over Rs 1.2 crore from Dubai, on March 2, 2025 at Kempegowda International Airport. Image source: Ranya Rao/facebook
Karnataka Industrial Zone Development Board (KIADB) said that Kannada-language actor Ranya Rao, who was recently arrested for smuggling gold from Dubai, was granted land and a steel plant was established by the former BJP government in February 2023.
The board of directors told the report that the company with links to the actors had allocated 12 acres of industrial land by Kiadb in 2023. Perceived that the case is undergoing a political shift, and the Minister of Medium and Large Industry MB Patil, MB Patil, shared the final notice issued by the government on February 22, 2023.
Congress came to power after defeating the BJP in Karnataka Parliament poll in May 2023.
The minutes of the Karnataka government shared by the Minister’s Office said: “The proposal of M/s Ksiroda India Private Limited was approved to establish the ‘Manufacturing Unit of Steel Products-TMT Bar, Rods and Rods and Rods and Products’ in Sira Industrial District, Tumakuru area.
It said: “The Government is pleased to be able to approve an investment proposal of Rs 13.8 billion, thereby providing employment to about 160 people with the following infrastructure aids, incentives and benefits.”
Kiadb said in a press release issued by Patil’s office that the distribution of Rao-related companies was completed in January 2023. KIADB CEO Mahesh said on Sunday (March 10, 2025) that KSIRODA INDIA will be allocated to 12 acres of land by the former government on January 2, 2023, referring to the BJP.
“The land is located in the Sira Industrial Zone of Tumakuru District and the distribution was approved when the last government came to power at the 137th State Single Window Clearance Commission (SLSWCC) meeting held on the same day.”
Proposed to set up a manufacturing unit
According to a KIADB press release, the company has submitted a proposal to build manufacturing units for steel TMT bars, poles and Allied products, with an investment of Rs 13.8 crore. The project is expected to generate about 160 jobs.
On Wednesday, the Tax Intelligence Bureau said the gold bar worth Rs 1256 crore seized Ranya from Ranya in Ranya and subsequently conducted a search at her residence, and gold jewelry worth Rs 267 crore was also seized.
Ranya is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao. DGP-level official currently serves as chairman and managing director of Karnataka Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Company Ltd.
The total seizure in the case was Rs 1,729 crore, including assets worth Rs 4.73 crore, marking a major blow to the organized gold smuggling network.
publishing – March 10, 2025 at 11:50 am
