Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar addressed the ongoing Enforcement Directorate (ED) raids linked to Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara and a gold smuggling case involving actor Ranya Rao. Shivakumar revealed that Parameshwara told him he had given a wedding gift to Rao and insisted there was nothing wrong with it.
Shivakumar met Parameshwara at his residence and told reporters, “We often give gifts during marriages — it can be anything from Re 1 to several lakhs. I think he also gave a gift at the marriage. This is normal.” He added that no politician would support any illegal activities linked to Rao and emphasized that the law will take its course.
When asked by NDTV about Shivakumar’s statement, Parameshwara smiled and replied, “You ask DK Shivakumar.” On cooperating with the investigation, he confirmed, “Of course.”
The ED has conducted raids on several educational institutions linked to Parameshwara as part of its probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Officials are investigating hawala operators who allegedly made fake transactions involving Rao’s accounts.
Parameshwara said investigators visited three institutions and a university seeking financial records from the past five years. He assured full cooperation from his staff and said he respects the law and will comply with all verification processes.
Regarding allegations that Rs 40 lakh from his institution’s account was used to pay Rao’s credit card bill, Parameshwara said he would respond after the investigation concludes.
Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru airport after arriving from Dubai, where officials seized 12 kg of gold worth over Rs 12 crore. Although Rao was granted bail by a special court, she remains in jail due to charges under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974, which allows preventive detention without bail for up to a year.
The ED claims a major breakthrough, alleging that an education trust diverted funds to pay Rs 40 lakh of Rao’s credit card bill under instructions from an influential individual. The agency noted no supporting documents were found to justify this payment.
