Kannada actor Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardhini Ranya, who was arrested for gold smuggling from Dubai, had her company allotted 12 acres of land by the previous Karnataka government in February 2023, according to a statement from the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) on Sunday.
Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, was caught with gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Further searches at her residence led to the seizure of gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore, taking the total seizure to ₹17.29 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has described the case as a major blow to organized gold smuggling networks.
Land Allotment to Ranya Rao’s Firm
Reports revealed that Ksiroda India Private Limited, a company linked to Ranya Rao, was granted 12 acres of industrial land in the Sira Industrial Area, Tumakuru district, under the previous BJP-led Karnataka government. The final government notification regarding the land allotment was issued on February 22, 2023, as per documents shared by the office of Medium and Large Industries Minister MB Patil.
According to KIADB CEO Mahesh, the land was approved for allotment on January 2, 2023, during the 137th State Level Single Window Clearance Committee (SLSWCC) meeting, when the Basavaraj Bommai-led BJP government was in power.
The ₹138 crore project by Ksiroda India was meant to establish a steel manufacturing unit for TMT bars, rods, and allied products, with an expected employment generation of 160 jobs.
Political Implications
The Congress government, which came to power after defeating the BJP in the May 2023 Karnataka Assembly elections, has highlighted the land allotment to Ranya Rao’s firm as a controversial decision made by the previous administration. The issue has now gained political traction, with opposition parties questioning the previous government’s role in facilitating the land grant.
Meanwhile, investigations into Ranya Rao’s smuggling network continue, with authorities probing financial transactions, possible associates, and connections within the organized smuggling syndicate.
Gold Smuggling Case Overview
Ranya Rao’s arrest has led to the seizure of gold and cash worth ₹17.29 crore, exposing a widespread gold smuggling operation. Given the involvement of high-profile individuals, enforcement agencies are deepening their probe into possible money laundering and organized crime links.
Sources By Agencies
