The political climate in Karnataka is heating up as Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar has launched a scathing attack against HD Kumaraswamy, seemingly in connection with the Enforcement Directorate's (ED) ongoing investigation into a gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao and its links to Home Minister G. Parameshwara. While details of Shivakumar's exact words and the specific context of the "lost his mental balance" remark are still emerging, the situation revolves around allegations and counter-allegations surrounding the ED probe and its potential political motivations.
The ED has been conducting raids on institutions linked to Parameshwara, including Sri Siddhartha Medical College and Research Centre Tumakuru, where he serves as Chairman. These raids are part of an investigation into possible money laundering related to the gold smuggling case in which Ranya Rao was arrested in March at Bengaluru airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold.
Adding fuel to the fire, allegations have surfaced that a trust associated with Parameshwara "diverted" funds, allegedly paying ₹40 lakh towards Rao's credit card bills without proper documentation, supposedly on the instructions of a "politically exposed person." While Parameshwara has denied any connection to the gold smuggling racket and called the raids "politically motivated," these claims have intensified the political bickering.
DK Shivakumar has defended Parameshwara, acknowledging a possible financial transaction between the Home Minister and Ranya Rao. He stated that Parameshwara may have gifted Rao "a gift of Rs 15-25 lakh during a family event or marriage" but asserted that this does not imply any involvement in the alleged gold-smuggling racket. Shivakumar emphasized that charitable institutions often help people with small contributions for various needs like marriage, school fees, or hospital bills. He insisted that Parameshwara never asked Ranya Rao to carry out gold smuggling.
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also joined the defense, calling the ED action politically motivated and casteist, alleging that Parameshwara, a prominent Dalit leader, is being targeted due to political vengeance. He questioned why leaders from other parties, such as BS Yediyurappa and HD Kumaraswamy, are not facing similar scrutiny.
The BJP, on the other hand, has vowed that the ongoing investigation will expose the full truth behind the scandal. They claim that the ED's probe has revealed illegal transactions worth crores routed through Rao's accounts, along with suspicious foreign business dealings.
The case began after Ranya Rao's arrest at Bengaluru airport on March 3rd for allegedly smuggling gold. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended her based on a tip-off, seizing gold bars worth crores. The ED has since been investigating the money trail and potential money laundering activities connected to the smuggling operation.
The political ramifications of this case are significant. The accusations and counter-accusations between the ruling Congress party and the opposition parties highlight the intense political rivalry in Karnataka. The ED's investigation and the reactions from various political figures have created a charged atmosphere, raising questions about political vendettas, caste dynamics, and the integrity of public officials. As the investigation progresses, the political landscape of Karnataka remains on edge, with the potential for further escalations and revelations.
