Karnataka Gold Scandal: Actress Ranya Rao's Alleged Involvement Sparks Political Debate

Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara addressed concerns in the Assembly about the state's lack of information regarding a gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao. Despite her arrest and significant gold seizures, investigations by central bodies like the DRI and CBI are still developing, amid allegations of police protocol misuse.

The Karnataka legislative assembly witnessed a heated debate on Monday as Home Minister G Parameshwara disclosed that the state government had received no official communication regarding the high-profile gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao. Despite media reports tying the actress to significant gold and cash recoveries, both the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are leading probes into the matter.

The Home Minister faced questions from BJP MLA Sunil Kumar about alleged lapses by local police in extending protocol privileges to Rao, whose stepfather is a DGP rank officer. Concerns were also raised about purported involvement of two state ministers, which Parameshwara insisted would be thoroughly investigated by central agencies.

Reports of extensive smuggling operations have sparked fears of Bengaluru becoming a hub for such illicit activities. Allegations of mafia and hawala links, along with Rao’s frequent travels to Dubai, further fuel mistrust. Calls for transparency and stricter controls highlight ongoing political tensions and systemic accountability issues in Karnataka.