NATIONAL: Karnataka Gold Smuggling Case: BJP Targets CM Siddaramaiah Over Old Photo
The political storm surrounding the alleged gold smuggling case in Karnataka has intensified, with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Amit Malviya sharing an image featuring Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah alongside actress Ranya Rao, who was recently arrested in connection with the case. The controversy erupted after Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar dismissed allegations of political involvement.
BJP Questions Political Links
Malviya took to social media to share a dated photograph of Siddaramaiah with Ranya Rao and Karnataka Home Minister G. Parmeshwara. He claimed that the case had now reached the doorstep of the chief minister. Taking a swipe at Shivakumar, Malviya said, “Ironically, the man dismissing any political links is none other than Congress’s CM-in-waiting, D.K. Shivakumar.”
Congress Denies Any Political Involvement
Shivakumar dismissed the allegations, labeling them as mere “political gossip.” He asserted that no ministers were involved in the case and that the investigation would proceed as per the law. “We have nothing to do with it,” he told reporters.
Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad echoed the same stance, pointing out that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), which operates under the central government, was handling the probe. “They have all the freedom to investigate, and if there is anything and anybody involved, let it come out. But we are very clear: nobody from the state government is involved in any kind of small criminal activity,” he added.
Ranya Rao’s Arrest and Investigation
Ranya Rao was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAD) in Bengaluru for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai.
The actress, who is the stepdaughter of Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) K. Ramachandra Rao, was produced before a special court for financial offenses on March 4 and initially remanded to judicial custody until March 18.
Prolonged Custody Amid Ongoing Probe
During interrogation, Rao claimed she traveled to Dubai for business purposes. However, authorities suspect her trip was linked to an international gold smuggling racket. She was initially placed in DRI custody until March 10, but as investigations unfolded, her custody was extended until March 24.
Political Fallout and Future Developments
With the case now entangled in Karnataka’s political landscape, both the ruling Congress and opposition BJP are locked in a heated exchange. While the BJP attempts to link the case to the state’s leadership, Congress remains firm in its denial of any connection.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes remain on the findings of the DRI and CBI, which are expected to determine the extent of the alleged smuggling operation and any potential involvement of influential figures.