'Ranya Rao hid gold wherever she had...': BJP MLA's controversial remark against arrested Kannada actress

Speaking to the reporters, Yatnal said in Kannada language as quoted by NDTV, "There were lapses by customs officials, and necessary action should be taken against them. She (Ranya Rao) had gold all over her body, hiding it wherever she had holes, and smuggled it in."

Yatnal also claimed he had full knowledge of Ranya's relationships and how she brought the gold.

The BJP lawmaker has also threatened to "expose everything" in the assembly.

"I have gathered complete information about her relationships, who helped her obtain security (clearance), and how the gold was brought in. I will expose everything in the session, including which hole she hid the gold and brought," the BJP MLA said.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested the actress at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3 upon her arrival from Dubai, seizing gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore.

According to sources, she attempted to smuggle the gold by wearing a substantial portion and concealing the rest in her clothing.

Following her arrest, officials raided her residence, where she lived with her husband, and discovered gold jewellery valued at ₹2.06 crore along with ₹2.67 crore in cash.

Three investigative agencies are handling different aspects of the case: the DRI is focused on Rao’s direct involvement, the CBI is probing the larger smuggling network and its operatives, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) is examining the hawala money trail linked to the racket.

The Karnataka government has launched an inquiry into the alleged misuse of VIP airport protocol privileges by the actress.

Ranya Rao alleges assault by DRI officials

Ranya alleged that she was assaulted by DRI officials and forced to sign blank and pre-typed documents.

In a letter dated March 6 and addressed to the Additional Director General of the DRI in Bengaluru, she claimed that a false case had been fabricated against her.

She further stated that she was wrongly accused of smuggling over 14 kg of gold upon her return from Dubai. "Your officers did not permit me to explain that I am innocent in this matter," she wrote in her complaint.

The actress also alleged physical mistreatment, stating that from the time of her detention until she was presented in court, she was slapped between 10 to 15 times.