Ranya Rao's Dubai trip, initially described as a business visit, is now under suspicion for gold smuggling by authorities. She was detained until March 10th, a period later extended to March 24th.
Ranya Case: Political controversy has intensified following the emergence of a photograph showing actress Ranya Rao with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah amidst allegations of gold smuggling. BJP leader Amit Malviya shared the image on social media Wednesday, claiming the case has now reached the Chief Minister's doorstep. He targeted the Congress government with a post using the hashtag '#CongressGoldField'.
Home Minister and DK Shivakumar also targeted
Malviya claimed that Home Minister G Parameshwara is also visible in the photograph. He stated that the person dismissing any political connection in this case is none other than Congress's CM-in-waiting, DK Shivakumar. BJP leaders used the photograph to target the Congress and attempted to link it to corruption.
Congress denies allegations
Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad dismissed the BJP's allegations as completely baseless. Speaking to the media, he stated that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), under the central government, is investigating the smuggling case. He added, "The CBI has complete freedom to investigate. If anyone is guilty, action should be taken against them. But it is clear that no individual from the state government is involved in any criminal activity."
Order for an impartial investigation
Taking the matter seriously, the Karnataka government appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta as the investigating officer. Chief Minister Siddaramaiah directed that a detailed report be submitted within a week.
BJP increases pressure on Congress
The opposition BJP in Karnataka is aggressively raising this issue and questioning the Congress government. BJP leaders say the Congress government should maintain transparency in this matter and bring the truth before the public. On the other hand, the Congress government claims it will give full freedom to the investigating agencies and no guilty party will be spared.
