“Ranya Rao Hid Gold Wherever She Had…”: BJP MLA’s Vulgar Remark Sparks Row

A very shocking incident unfolded in Karnataka on Monday. BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal has sparked a new controversy with his vulgar remarks about Kannada actress Ranya Rao. The actress who is currently under investigation in a gold smuggling case.

The MLA from Bijapur City, Yatnal made headlines with his comments made during a press briefing. The remarks were regarding Ranya Rao’s alleged involvement in smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore at Bengaluru Airport.

Yatnal’s Vulgar Remark

“Will name all the ministers involved in this case in 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”, Yatnal remarked.

VIDEO | Bengaluru: BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal on Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, says, “Will name all the ministers involved in this case in the Assembly session. I have gathered complete information about her relationships, who helped her obtain security, and how the gold… pic.twitter.com/DF64D0RnNW

— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) March 17, 2025

The BJP MLA also said “Whoever is guilty must be held accountable, can we defend someone just because they are a central government employee? There were lapses by customs officials, and necessary action should be taken against them. Rao had gold all over her body, hiding it wherever she had holes, and smuggled it in.”

Involvement of Ministers in Smuggling Case

Yatnal boldly stated that he had collected information about the Gold smuggling case. He further claimed that he would reveal the names of ministers allegedly linked to the operation during the upcoming state assembly session.

The MLA alleged that several ministers were involved in the smuggling case. However, Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar dismissed these claims. He said this is “political gossip,” and conspiracy to defame him. He further rejected any links between his ministers and the actress Ranya Rao.

The Gold Smuggling Case

Kannada actor Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3, 2025, at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. The actress was caught attempting to smuggle gold hidden in her clothing. Furthermore, the investigators revealed that she was allegedly using her stepfather’s influence, a senior police officer, to bypass airport security checks.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a raid seizing gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore and other valuables from her residence. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) have registered cases against the actress. Ranya is booked under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act and other charges.

Assault Allegations by Ranya Rao

Amid the ongoing investigation around the case, Ranya Rao has made serious allegations against DRI officials. The actress accused them of physically assaulting her during her detention and during the questioning. “I was slapped multiple times and coerced into signing blank papers”, Ranya wrote in a letter addressed to the Additional Director General of the DRI.

“Despite repeated hitting and slapping, I refused to sign the statement they prepared, your officers did not permit me to explain that I am innocent in this matter,” Rao alleged in the letter. The actress has so far denied the charges and insists that she is innocent stating that a false case has been fabricated against her.

Stepfather Sent on Compulsory Leave

K Ramachandra Rao, who is a senior police officer and also Ranya’s Step father, has been sent on compulsory leave. This move follows his alleged links to the case and his role in the police force at the time of the incident. Meanwhile, a government order placed another officer in charge of his responsibilities in his absence.

Karnataka government issues Order

“Sri. K.V. Sharath Chandra, IPS (KN-1997) Additional Director General of Police, Recruitment is placed in Concurrent Charge of the post of Chairman & Managing Director, Karnataka State Police Housing & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, Bengaluru with immediate effect and until further orders, Dr. K. Ramachandra Rao, IPS sent on compulsory leave,” said a Karnataka government order issued on Saturday.