Lagatar24 Desk
Bengaluru: Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has confirmed a financial transaction between Home Minister G Parameshwara’s institution and actress Ranya Rao, the prime accused in a gold smuggling case. He clarified, however, that the money was a wedding gift, not connected to any illegal activity. The remarks came amid ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids on institutions linked to Parameshwara.
Second day of ED raids in Karnataka
The central agency conducted searches for a second consecutive day on Thursday, targeting institutions associated with Parameshwara as part of its investigation into a gold smuggling and money laundering case. ED officials raided the Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Research Centre in Tumakuru, where Parameshwara serves as chairman.
“Gifted money, not laundered”: Shivakumar
“There was a marriage. As a gift, people sometimes give ₹10,000, ₹5 or ₹10 lakhs,” Shivakumar told reporters. “Whatever Ranya Rao has done is wrong. The law will take its own course. I just spoke to Parameshwara, and he told me it was a gift,” he added.
Political and caste angle alleged
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, reacting to the raids earlier, called them politically motivated and casteist. “Parameshwara is a prominent Dalit leader. They raided him out of political vengeance,” he alleged, questioning why opposition leaders like BS Yediyurappa, BY Vijayendra, or HD Kumaraswamy weren’t facing similar scrutiny.
Shivakumar echoed this sentiment while maintaining faith in legal process. “Parameshwara runs several charitable institutions and trusts. Congress leaders do not support wrongdoing. But if injustice is done, we will protest nationally,” he warned.
ED links gold smuggling to actress Ranya Rao
The ED’s probe stems from the arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Bengaluru airport on March 3 for allegedly smuggling gold worth crores. She has since been under investigation for suspected money laundering linked to high-profile individuals.
Parameshwara has not publicly addressed the nature of his association with Rao but stated his staff are cooperating fully. “Documents were taken, the accounts team was questioned. I believe in the law of the land,” he said. When asked if he believed the action targeted him due to his Dalit background, he declined comment but hinted he may speak later.
