BENGALURU, 10 MARCH

The alleged gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao has sparked a fierce political row in Karnataka, with the ruling Congress and opposition BJP exchanging accusations of favouritism and cover-ups. 

Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardhini Ranya, was arrested last week for allegedly smuggling gold valued at Rs 12 crore from Dubai. The BJP has insinuated that a prominent minister in Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's government is protecting her, while Congress has retaliated by pointing to the BJP's previous allocation of 12 acres of land for a steel factory to Rao’s firm. 

BJP state president BY Vijayendra accused the government of a serious breach of protocol that enabled the smuggling, suggesting it could not occur without the support of influential government members.

In response, Minister for Medium and Large Industries MB Patil highlighted that the land allocation to Ranya's firm, Ksiroda India, occurred under the BJP-led administration in February 2023. The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board confirmed the land grant, designed to support a steel manufacturing project. 

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence has reported significant seizures connected to the case, including gold worth Rs 12.56 crore at Kempegowda International Airport and large quantities of jewellery and cash from Rao’s residence, bringing the total seizure to around Rs 17.29 crore.

Meanwhile DRI has said that at least 30 imported luxury wristwatches, estimated to be worth over Rs 1 crore, from the possession of Kannada film actress Ranya Rao.
Sources revealed that when questioned about the source of the imported watches, Ranya reportedly failed to provide convincing answers, raising further suspicion about her involvement in smuggling operations. The officials, however, have not seized the watches yet but are closely examining the purchase records to determine if they were acquired through legitimate channels. 

Alos, one more person in connection with the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao.

The arrested person is the son of a prominent hotelier and was allegedly a partner in gold smuggling involving the actress.