BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal is poised to unveil the identities of two state ministers allegedly linked to a high-profile gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao during the Karnataka Assembly session today. Yatnal, representing Bijapur City, has claimed to possess extensive information regarding the case, which has garnered significant media attention since Rao's arrest on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport with 14.2 kg of gold valued at ₹12.56 crore.
In a press conference held in Vijayapura, Yatnal asserted, "I will disclose who supported Ranya Rao, facilitated her exemption from security checks, and provided official vehicles." He emphasized that his revelations would include details about the origin of the gold and its intended recipients, aiming to shed light on the broader implications of this scandal.
Ranya Rao, who is also the stepdaughter of Karnataka's former DGP Ramachandra Rao, has been accused of misusing privileged airport protocols to smuggle gold from Dubai. Following her arrest, authorities conducted a raid on her residence, uncovering additional gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and cash totaling ₹2.67 crore. The ongoing investigation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has raised questions about potential complicity within law enforcement and political circles.
Yatnal has dismissed claims implicating Union ministers in the case but insists that the involvement of state cabinet members warrants scrutiny. He stated, "If customs officers are found complicit, I will not defend them," highlighting his commitment to transparency.
As Yatnal prepares for his statements in the Assembly, public interest remains high regarding the potential fallout from these revelations and their impact on Karnataka's political landscape. The case continues to unfold as various agencies investigate the intricate web of connections surrounding Ranya Rao and her alleged activities.
