Controversy Surrounds Gold Smuggling Case Involving Kannada Actress

R. Ashoka, Karnataka's Leader of Opposition, criticized Deputy CM D.K. Shivakumar's dismissal of ministerial links to the gold smuggling case involving Ranya Rao. He argued that such statements could influence the investigation. Ranya, stepdaughter of a senior police officer, was arrested for smuggling gold from Dubai.

Karnataka's political landscape finds itself mired in controversy as R. Ashoka, Leader of Opposition, lashes out against Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar's attempt to downplay reports linking two ministers to a high-profile gold smuggling case. The case involves Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for smuggling gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from Dubai.

Ashoka questioned the premature dismissal of these reports, claiming they could undermine the investigation. 'Investigating agency should say whether the involvement of two ministers is there or not. Even before the probe, if clean-chit is given, what value will the investigation agency have?' he posed to reporters on Tuesday.

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR regarding the case, while the Karnataka government has initiated a separate probe into potential lapses by police officers at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. Additionally, the government has tasked Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta with investigating whether Ranya’s stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, played any role in the alleged smuggling activities.