Gold-smuggling accused Ranya Rao’s firm allotted 12 acres land under BJP: KIADB

Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was caught smuggling gold worth Rs 12 crore, received an allotment of 12 acres of industrial land in Tumakuru district during the tenure of the previous BJP-led government, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) said on March 9. The land was allotted to her firm Ksiroda India Pvt Ltd.

KIADB made this revelation after reports suggested that the land was sanctioned during the incumbent Congress government’s tenure. 

According to KIADB CEO Mahesh M, the land allotment was approved on January 2, 2023, by the 137th state-level single-window clearance committee before the Siddaramaiah-led government came to power. The land was intended for setting up a manufacturing unit for steel TMT bars, rods, and allied products, with an estimated investment of Rs 138 crore. However, no development has taken place at the site since the allotment.

Authorities have now begun scrutinising the company’s financial records and ownership details as part of the ongoing Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) investigation into Ranya Rao’s alleged involvement in a gold-smuggling network. 

Investigators noted that Ranya and her brother were listed as directors of Ksiroda India Pvt Ltd, which was incorporated in April 2022. The company received land just nine months after its registration, raising questions about possible political influence, especially since major firms often face lengthy waits for such approvals.

Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport after DRI officials allegedly found 14.2 kg of gold bars concealed in a belt strapped to her body upon her arrival from Dubai. The seizure, valued at approximately Rs 12.56 crore, was among the largest gold recoveries from an air passenger in recent times.

As investigations progressed, authorities suspected Ranya’s involvement in a larger smuggling network.  

CBI officials said the probe would examine possible involvement of customs officials, police, and other authorities who may have facilitated the illicit trade. The CBI has dispatched teams to investigate Bengaluru and Mumbai airports.