Daijiworld Media Network 

Bengaluru, March 10: Karnataka state BJP president B Y Vijayendra has claimed that two ministers from the Congress-led state government may be involved in the high-profile gold smuggling case surrounding Kannada actress Ranya Rao.

The controversy has sparked widespread speculation and scrutiny over the potential links between the state government and the illicit operation.

Speaking on Monday, Vijayendra described the case, which has captured national attention, as one of the "rarest incidents" in the country’s history. He pointed out that the case, centred around Bengaluru, has cast a shadow over influential figures within the state government.

"Reports now suggest that two ministers may be involved, making this a highly concerning development," Vijayendra stated, further alleging that the investigation had uncovered links to hawala transactions. He also highlighted that during her arrest, Ranya Rao had allegedly attempted to contact a serving minister, raising significant concerns about the potential involvement of powerful figures within the Congress government.

"The investigation has revealed hawala and cryptocurrency links, and during her arrest, Ranya Rao allegedly tried to dial the number of a minister. This raises serious questions about the involvement of influential figures in the Congress-led Karnataka government," Vijayendra continued. "Additionally, since Ranya Rao is the daughter of a high-ranking police officer, the integrity of the entire system is now under intense scrutiny, tarnishing the state's reputation."

Vijayendra demanded transparency from the government, urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to disclose the full truth about the case. He stressed that if ministers are indeed implicated, the Chief Minister is likely already aware of it. "The government must act transparently, expose the culprits, and ensure the law takes its course," he asserted. "If the government, like in previous scams, attempts to shield the corrupt, it will face embarrassment, especially with the ongoing CBI investigation. This case is not just about one actress; the investigation has already uncovered a vast network behind the scenes."

Ranya Rao was apprehended at the Bengaluru International Airport last Monday night after 14.8 kg of gold, worth Rs 12.36 crore, was seized from her. The authorities also found Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her Lavelle Road flat, where she was reportedly paying a monthly rent of Rs 4.5 lakh.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Customs are both investigating the case, with sources revealing that the DRI had uncovered the involvement of influential individuals. It was also reported that when Ranya Rao was being arrested, she attempted to make a call to a serving minister. DRI officials seized her mobile phone to prevent further contact.

The investigation has also uncovered that Ranya Rao’s payments for smuggling operations were routed through hawala channels and cryptocurrency. Sources have suggested that Ranya Rao only supplied smuggled goods to specific gold merchants, refusing to work with others, which ultimately led disgruntled merchants to tip off the DRI about her activities.

Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, claimed in her statement to the DRI that she is a freelancer in the real estate sector in Dubai and agreed to smuggle 17 bars of gold into India. She was arrested after the gold was seized, and she remains in DRI custody, where she is being interrogated about the smuggling operation. The CBI is expected to take over the case shortly.

Karnataka’s Director General of Police for the State Police Housing Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao, who is the stepfather of Ranya Rao, expressed shock and devastation over the arrest of his stepdaughter. "I was caught completely unawares by this development," he stated, reflecting the personal and professional turmoil surrounding the case.

The investigation continues, with sources suggesting that Ranya Rao’s smuggling activities may have extended beyond this one operation. The public and authorities alike are now waiting for further revelations as the case progresses under the scrutiny of the CBI.