Bengaluru: The gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao has taken a significant turn after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) found connections to Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara. The ED has confirmed that financial transactions took place between Ranya Rao and educational institutions managed by the minister and has conducted raids accordingly.
Parameshwara serves as the chairman of the Parameshwara Siddhartha Institute of Medical Sciences, where the ED focused its probe, examining cash transactions. Reports indicate that the minister was not present at his residence during the raids and is currently engaged in government-related duties.
#BREAKING The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting raids and inspections at Siddhartha Institute of Technology and Siddhartha Medical College in Tumakuru, owned by Karnataka's Home Minister G. Parameshwara. The operation began around 9:30 AM today, with five teams involved… pic.twitter.com/n8wFQgjd3I
— IANS (@ians_india) May 21, 2025
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Notably, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and Home Minister Parameshwara both attended Ranya Rao’s wedding, which has added a political dimension to the case. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has alleged that Congress leaders are linked to the smuggling scandal. However, the Congress party has denied these allegations, with Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar calling them baseless propaganda.
In the latest development, the Bengaluru court granted bail to Ranya Rao, allowing her temporary relief amid the ongoing investigation.