Mon Mar 10 11:48:53 UTC 2025: ## Karnataka Actor’s Gold Smuggling Arrest Sparks Political Firestorm

**Bengaluru, March 17** – The arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao for allegedly smuggling 14 kg of gold at Bengaluru airport has ignited a fierce political battle in Karnataka. The controversy stems from Rao’s connection to Xiroda India Private Limited, a company she is a director of, which received 12 acres of government land in 2023 under the previous BJP administration.

The Congress party has accused the BJP of facilitating the land allotment, highlighting the timing of the allocation – a 12-acre plot in the Shira Industrial Area near Tumkuru granted in January 2023. Former Industries Minister Murugesh Nirani, who chaired the KIADB at the time, defended the decision, stating it followed proper procedures and involved multiple levels of scrutiny. He insisted the allocation was made by the State Level Single Window Clearance Committee (SLSWCC) after thorough review by a committee headed by the Industry Secretary and 30 senior officials.

However, the BJP has countered with allegations that Rao, after her arrest, attempted to use her connections within the current Congress government to influence the case. The party claims she contacted two ministers in an attempt to avoid legal repercussions. State Home Minister G Parameshwara responded that the case has been handed over to the CBI and any such claims are speculative until the investigation concludes.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Rao last Monday after discovering the gold during a search at the airport. Further searches of her residence uncovered gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and cash totaling ₹2.67 crore. Rao, who has made 27 trips to Dubai and the United States in the last six months, was remanded to judicial custody until March 24th. A bail hearing is scheduled for Tuesday. While alleging verbal abuse and threats during her DRI detention, Rao denied claims of physical torture following the circulation of a photo showing her with visible injuries. The political fallout from this case is expected to continue as both parties level accusations.

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