Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has been booked for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who is currently embroiled in a gold smuggling case. The High Grounds police station in Bengaluru has registered a case under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), which deals with words, gestures, or acts intended to insult the modesty of a woman.

FIR Filed After Complaint

The FIR was filed following a complaint by Akula Anuradha, who alleged that Yatnal used objectionable language while speaking to the media in Vijayapura on Monday. The complainant claimed that Yatnal’s comments were "vulgar, disrespectful, and derogatory" toward Ranya Rao, who is a multi-language actress with a reputation in society.

Yatnal, the current MLA from Bijapur City Assembly constituency, is known for his controversial remarks. However, this time, his comments have sparked outrage and led to legal action. The police have initiated an investigation, and further steps will be taken based on the findings.

Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Case: A Brief Recap

Harshavardhini Ranya, popularly known as Ranya Rao, is the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer DGP K Ramachandra Rao. She was arrested on March 3, 2025, at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars valued at Rs 12.56 crore from her possession upon her arrival from Dubai.

Following her arrest, the DRI conducted raids at her residence, leading to the recovery of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore. Investigators suspect that Ranya was part of a larger gold smuggling network, and her activities were under scrutiny for several months.

Probe Extends to DGP K Ramachandra Rao

The case took a new turn when Ranya’s stepfather, DGP K Ramachandra Rao, came under the scanner. He was questioned by the investigating team led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta on March 10 to ascertain his potential involvement in the smuggling case.

Citing concerns over his possible role in Ranya's alleged smuggling activities, the Karnataka government had placed DGP Ramachandra Rao on compulsory leave a day before the investigation. Further developments in the probe are awaited as officials continue to unravel the extent of the smuggling network.

Derogatory Remarks Trigger Controversy

As the investigation into Ranya Rao’s case intensified, Basangouda Patil Yatnal’s remarks about the actress during a press conference in Vijayapura triggered a backlash. His comments were deemed inappropriate and derogatory, prompting Akula Anuradha to file a formal complaint. The complainant asserted that Yatnal’s statements were not only demeaning but also tarnished the reputation of Ranya Rao, who is already facing a difficult legal situation.

Political Repercussions and Public Reactions

The incident has sparked heated debates in Karnataka’s political circles. Many have criticized Yatnal for his insensitive remarks, calling for disciplinary action against the MLA. Women's rights groups and public figures have also condemned the comments, emphasizing the need for respectful discourse, regardless of the circumstances.

The BJP leadership is yet to issue an official statement on the matter. However, sources suggest that the party is closely monitoring the situation and may take appropriate action depending on the outcome of the police investigation.

Legal Consequences for Yatnal

Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) pertains to acts, gestures, or remarks intended to insult the modesty of a woman. If found guilty, Yatnal could face significant legal consequences, including monetary penalties and imprisonment. The police have indicated that they will record statements from witnesses and scrutinize the footage of Yatnal’s media interaction as part of the investigation.

What Happens Next?

As the case unfolds, the police will examine the content of Yatnal’s remarks and assess whether they amount to criminal misconduct under the BNS. Depending on the findings, the MLA could be summoned for questioning and may face additional legal proceedings.

On the other hand, the investigation into Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case and the role of DGP Ramachandra Rao is expected to gain momentum in the coming days, with authorities working to identify and dismantle the larger smuggling network involved.

Conclusion

The controversy surrounding BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal’s remarks against actress Ranya Rao has added a new dimension to the high-profile gold smuggling case. While Ranya Rao’s alleged involvement in a multi-crore smuggling operation is under intense scrutiny, Yatnal’s derogatory remarks have triggered a legal battle of their own. As the police investigate both matters, Karnataka’s political and legal landscape continues to witness new twists and turns, with potential repercussions for all parties involved.

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