The same gold, the same smuggling, and the same Dubai connection. Five years ago, a gold smuggling controversy rocked Kerala, and now a similar tale unfolds in Karnataka. Previously, there were suspicions about the involvement of political figures, and today, once again, the spotlight falls on political connections.
Currently, the case of Kannada actress Ranya Rao is the talk of Karnataka. On March 3, she was apprehended at Bengaluru airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle gold from Dubai. Authorities intercepted 15 kilograms of gold in her possession, valued at around 1.2 billion rupees. Investigations uncovered potential political links for Ranya, as her phone contained numbers of various leaders and police officers, including current and former ministers. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is investigating whether these influential individuals were aware of Ranya's activities. Now, potential connections with an organized network are being scrutinized.
What has the BJP claimed in the Karnataka case?
The BJP has pressed the Karnataka Congress government to disclose the name of a minister linked to the smuggling racket. State President BY Vijayendra demanded, “Chief Minister Siddaramaiah should reveal the names of ministers allegedly involved in the smuggling racket.” He claimed Ranya traveled abroad over 30 times in recent months and received full protocol upon return. Vijayendra further alleged that being the stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer granted her special treatment, including police escort at the airport.
Ranya is the stepdaughter of IPS officer Ramchandra Rao, who currently serves as Director General of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.
BY Vijayendra added that if Ranya was exempted from security checks, it signifies the involvement of powerful individuals, including ministers. Names of politicians, gold smuggling mafia, and even former ministers who may have supported such activities should be made public.
'Ranya tried contacting Congress ministers'
BJP MLA Bharat Shetty claimed two Congress ministers attempted to intervene and shield Ranya from legal troubles. “During her arrest, Ranya attempted to reach out to several Congress ministers. It’s almost public that two intervened. A CBI probe will reveal the truth,” he stated.
BJP likens it to Kerala's case
BJP leader CT Ravi called for an investigation into all political connections tied to the case and questioned the reports of Rs 5 million gifts linked to Ranya's smuggling business. He drew parallels to a similar scandal in Kerala and posed whether Karnataka faces a comparable situation.
Congress counters BJP
Meanwhile, Congress accused BJP of allotting land for a steel plant to Ranya’s firm during its tenure. Minister MB Patil clarified that Ranya's associated company, Kshiroda India Private Limited, was approved for a 12-acre land, which was never officially allocated as the firm failed to secure necessary payments.
Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad accused BJP of double standards and questioned why land was provided to a firm without a track record. “Is she an industrialist or a smuggler? This indicates BJP's deeper nexus with her,” he asserted.
Chief Minister's legal advisor AS Ponnanna pointed out, “The land was allocated during BJP's rule. If Vijayendra blames Congress ministers, he should first name the BJP minister who sanctioned this deal.”
Agencies investigating Ranya's call records
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR in the case. Analysis of Ranya's call records and other data is underway. In court, Ranya claimed she was harassed by officials who compelled her to sign documents without consent. She further alleged being pressured to comply. However, officials stated Ranya was uncooperative during interrogation.
What was the Kerala case?
Date: July 5, 2020. Location: Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala. Customs officials at the International Airport seized a bag weighing over 30 kilograms filled with gold. The gold was valued at approximately 1.5 billion rupees. It was concealed in diplomatic baggage sent to the UAE Consulate. Allegations indicated the UAE Consulate's administrative attache was implicated in the shipment from Dubai. The NIA arrested Swapna Suresh and Sandeep Nair in Bengaluru in connection to the case.
Investigators unveiled that the gold was part of a smuggling racket attempting to misuse the name of a diplomatically protected individual. The seizure sparked a major political scandal, shaking the foundations of Kerala's ruling Left government. Especially when top bureaucrat M. Sivasankar was implicated. Customs and the NIA extensively questioned M. Sivasankar, and by November 23, he was arrested by customs. Before this, he was suspended from service. Later, he secured bail.
M. Sivasankar, a close officer of Kerala's Chief Minister Vijayan, served as the Chief Minister's Principal Secretary and IT Secretary. His connections with main accused Swapna Suresh were discovered. The ED also questioned the CM’s Additional Private Secretary C.M. Ravindran. In 2022, M. Sivasankar was reinstated in service and appointed as the Principal Secretary for Sports.
However, M. Sivasankar authored a book regarding the case stating he didn't interfere in the gold smuggling incident nor provided undue privileges to Swapna Suresh. He claimed ignorance of Swapna's involvement and felt entrapped by her actions. Swapna’s allegation that she gifted him an iPhone as a setup was disputed as she claimed the book’s assertions were false, emphasizing they were close friends who even planned to settle in Dubai.
