Karnataka BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal made a rude comment about Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested in a high-profile gold smuggling case. He claimed she had hidden the gold “wherever she had ho***.”
While calling for strict action in the gold smuggling case, the Bijapur City MLA told the media, “She had gold all over her body, hiding it wherever she had ho***, and smuggled it in”, Reported By India Today
Yatnal, who used to be a Union Minister, also said that state ministers were involved in the case. He added that he would name them in the Assembly session.
Yatnal Promises To Expose Ministers Involved In Gold Smuggling Case
“I will name all the ministers involved in this case during the Assembly session. I have gathered complete information about her relationships, who helped her obtain security, and how the gold was brought in. I will expose everything in the session, including where she hid the gold and how she smuggled it in,” the MLA added.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar previously rejected the claims of ministerial involvement, calling them “political gossip”. He stated that the case is being handled by central agencies, and the state government is not involved in the investigation.
“No minister is involved, we don’t know anything. It is all political gossip. Investigating officers will proceed as per the law. We have nothing to do with it,” Shivakumar said.
Ranya Rao Arrested For Gold Smuggling
Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, was arrested on March 4, 2025, for allegedly trying to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold worth Rs 12 crore into India. She was caught at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while returning from Dubai. The actress was also denied bail. Ranya even claimed that DRI officers slapped her multiple times, denied her food, and made her sign blank documents. In a letter to the Additional Director General of DRI, Ranya said she is innocent and was wrongly involved in the case.
Gold Hidden In Waist Belt
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) found the gold hidden in a special waist belt. After searching her house in Bengaluru, they also found gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. In total, the authorities seized assets worth Rs 17.29 crore.
Alleged Smuggling Trips To Dubai
Investigations showed that Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of a senior police officer, had made about 30 trips to Dubai in the past year. It is believed that she smuggled large amounts of gold on each trip. She reportedly earned Rs 1 lakh for every kilogram of gold she smuggled, making around Rs 12-13 lakh per trip.
Ranya Rao’s Statement During Interrogation
During questioning, Ranya Rao said she received calls from unknown numbers telling her to meet someone at Dubai airport. She claimed that she learned how to hide gold by watching YouTube videos.
Stepfather’s Alleged Involvement
Investigations also found that Ranya’s stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police (DGP), had asked a constable to help her at Bengaluru Airport. This assistance was given as part of her travels.
ED Raids In Karnataka
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has started raids in Karnataka in connection with the case. They believe there is an international gold smuggling network involved.
CBI Investigates Wedding Connections
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is also looking into footage from Ranya’s recent wedding. They are checking the guest list and expensive gifts she received to find possible links to the smuggling ring.
Also read: Ranya Rao Claims Abuse In Custody: ‘Slapped, Starved, And Forced To Sign Blank Pages’
