March 16, 2025 – Bengaluru: In a dramatic turn of events, BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has announced that he will reveal the names of those allegedly involved in the gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao. Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Yatnal declared that he would expose the details in the Karnataka Assembly on Monday, adding to the ongoing political and legal drama surrounding the case.

BJP MLA’s Statement on Exposing Names

Yatnal, a senior BJP legislator from Bijapur City, has been at the forefront of demanding action against the Congress government over its handling of the gold smuggling scandal. He claimed that he had gathered information about the suspects involved and their links to Ranya Rao.

"Tomorrow, I will disclose in the Assembly who all are involved, who has links with Ranya, and what kind of security was provided to her. We have gathered all the information, including where she got the gold from… I will reveal everything," Yatnal stated, fueling further speculation about the involvement of ministers within the Congress party.

The BJP has been urging Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and the Congress government to disclose the names of the ministers allegedly involved in the scandal.

The Gold Smuggling Case

Ranya Rao, aged 34, was arrested on March 3, 2025, by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after she arrived at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport from Dubai. During her arrival, 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars worth approximately Rs 12.56 crore were seized from her.

On March 4, authorities conducted a raid at her Bengaluru residence and seized additional items, including gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.

Ranya Rao’s Alleged Misuse of Airport Protocol

Ranya, the stepdaughter of K Ramachandra Rao, a senior DGP-ranked police officer, is accused of misusing airport protocol intended for senior police officials. It is alleged that she exploited her stepfather's position to bypass security checks at the airport and carry out illegal activities, including gold smuggling.

Ranya's stepfather, who had been serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, was ordered to go on compulsory leave by the Karnataka government on March 15.

Ongoing Investigations and Political Fallout

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR in connection with the case, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. Both agencies are investigating the alleged money laundering and illegal activities associated with Ranya’s operations.

The Karnataka government has appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to probe the possible involvement of K Ramachandra Rao in his stepdaughter's illicit activities.

As the investigation continues, the political ramifications of the case are becoming more pronounced, with opposition parties like the BJP demanding greater accountability from the Congress-led government.

This case highlights ongoing concerns about corruption, abuse of power, and the need for greater transparency in government operations. With Yatnal’s upcoming revelations in the Karnataka Assembly, all eyes will be on the political fallout and how the government addresses these mounting allegations.

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