Mon Mar 10 11:48:53 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Gold Smuggling Case Takes Political Turn Amidst Land Allotment Controversy

**Bengaluru, India** – The arrest of actress Ranya Rao for allegedly smuggling 14 kg of gold at Bengaluru airport has ignited a fierce political battle in Karnataka. The Congress party is accusing the BJP, the previous ruling party, of facilitating the allotment of 12 acres of government land to Xiroda India Private Limited, a company where Rao is a director, in 2023. The BJP, in turn, alleges Rao’s links to Congress leaders, claiming she sought help from two ministers to avoid prosecution after her arrest.

The land, located in the Shira Industrial Area near Tumkuru, was allotted to the company to set up a steel plant. While the BJP’s former Industries Minister, Murugesh Nirani, insists the allotment followed due process and was approved by the State Level Single Window Clearance Committee, the Congress maintains it was a favor granted during the BJP’s tenure. Nirani stated that the process involved multiple levels of scrutiny by senior officials and adhered to all legal requirements.

Meanwhile, the Congress highlights the timing of the land allotment, which occurred under the BJP government headed by Basavaraj Bommai. The current Home Minister, G Parameshwara, has stated that the investigation has been handed over to the CBI and that current speculation should wait for their findings.

Rao’s arrest last Monday by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) followed an investigation triggered by her frequent international travel – 27 trips to Dubai and the US in the last six months. A search of her residence revealed gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore.

While Rao appeared in court today and was remanded to judicial custody until March 24, her bail application hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. She has alleged verbal abuse and threats during her DRI custody, though she denied claims of physical torture fueled by a circulated image showing her with injuries. The case continues to unfold, with both parties trading accusations and the CBI investigation poised to play a crucial role in determining the truth.

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