Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India]: Former Karnataka Chief Minister and MP Basavaraj Bommai has demanded a comprehensive investigation into the illegal gold smuggling network linked to Kannada actress Ranya Rao.
Speaking to the media in Delhi on Monday, Bommai emphasized the need to uncover all those involved in the criminal activities allegedly connected to the actress.
Land Allocation Clarification
Bommai clarified that during his tenure as Chief Minister, the allocation of land to Xiroda India Pvt. Ltd., where Ranya Rao was a director, never reached his office.
“The land was allotted to Xiroda India Pvt. Ltd. in the Sira industrial area in Tumkur district. Whenever entrepreneurs seek land, we follow the necessary agreements. A Land Audit Committee, comprising the Principal Secretary and senior officials, evaluates and recommends land allocation based on business needs. Projects worth up to Rs 500 crore are decided at the ministerial level and do not reach the Chief Minister. In my tenure, this issue did not come up. The allocation is done through the Single Window Proceeding under the leadership of the Industries Minister. Once land is allotted, a notice is issued for payment. Since payment was not made, the land was not handed over,” Bommai explained.
He added that land applications are routine in promoting industrial development, and criminal activities linked to recipients cannot always be predicted.
Call for Comprehensive Investigation
Bommai insisted on a CBI investigation to uncover the full extent of the gold smuggling network and expose those responsible.
“This does not appear to be an isolated incident. Such a major crime can’t occur without officials’ involvement. The entire network behind it must be exposed. A CBI probe will reveal who was responsible. A thorough investigation will bring out the truth,” he asserted.
Criticism of State Government
Bommai also criticized the state government’s handling of Bengaluru’s administration, highlighting issues with road repairs, drainage management, and infrastructure development.
“Nothing has been handled properly. For two years, they have only spoken about Brand Bengaluru without implementing anything. Even in the budget, no practical projects have been announced. During our tenure, we had planned a World Bank loan of Rs 1,700 crore, which has now been finalized. The government is trying to cover up its failures. Even if God himself comes, the situation cannot be fixed under this government’s approach,” he remarked.
He suggested developing two satellite towns to improve connectivity and called for planned financial support instead of appointing multiple zone commissioners.
Ration Card Revision Caution
On the state government’s plan to revise ration cards, Bommai warned against hasty decisions that could deprive eligible beneficiaries of their rights.
“All stakeholders, including opposition parties, should be consulted. First, a pilot implementation should be conducted in two taluks to identify challenges before extending it statewide,” he advised.