Enforcement Directorate Raids Institutions Linked to Karnataka Home Minister in Ranjna Rao Gold Smuggling Case
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids on institutions connected to Karnataka's Home Minister in a major development in the Ranjna Rao gold smuggling case. The case has intensified following the seizure of 12.56 crore worth of gold.
Karnataka: A Major Political and Film Industry Scandal Unfolds
A major political and film industry scandal has emerged in Karnataka. The ongoing gold smuggling investigation against Kannada actress Ranjna Rao has now reached institutions linked to Karnataka's Home Minister, G Parameshwara. The ED raided educational institutions connected to the Home Minister as part of a money laundering investigation.
Deep Roots of the Gold Smuggling Investigation
The ED's action follows allegations against actress Ranjna Rao of illegally importing gold from Dubai and engaging in hawala transactions. Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru's Kempegowda Airport on March 3rd. 14.2 kg of gold, valued at ₹12.56 crore, was seized during the investigation.
Raids on Institutions Linked to the Home Minister
The ED's investigation focuses not only on Ranjna Rao but also on associated individuals and institutions. This led to raids on institutions such as Siddartha Engineering College, Siddartha Medical College, and Siddartha Degree College, all reportedly linked to the state's Home Minister, G Parameshwara. The ED conducted searches across 16 locations in the state.
Hawala Operators Under Scrutiny
The investigation revealed that certain hawala operators fraudulently transferred funds into Ranjna Rao's bank accounts. Sources suggest a suspicious ₹40 lakh transaction from an educational trust to settle Rao's credit card bills. The ED is investigating the source of this payment.
DRI and CBI's Prior Involvement
The case began when the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), acting on a tip-off, apprehended Ranjna Rao at the airport. The seizure of a large quantity of gold escalated the investigation. Subsequently, the CBI also took interest in the case, and the ED has now registered a case under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Default Bail Granted by the Court
A special court in Bengaluru granted default bail to Ranjna Rao and co-accused Tarun Kondaru Raju due to the DRI's failure to file a chargesheet on time. However, Rao remains in jail due to a separate case filed under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA).
Action Under COFEPOSA
ED officials have also filed a case against Ranjna Rao under COFEPOSA, a law aimed at curbing foreign exchange smuggling and illegal financial transactions.
