A storm of controversy has erupted in Karnataka after BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal made shocking comments about Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who is caught up in a high-profile Ranya Rao gold smuggling case. The BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal’s vulgar remarks have led to a police case against him, while the Ranya Rao case continues to unfold with serious allegations on both sides.
What Did the MLA Say?
On March 16, BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal spoke to the media about the gold smuggling case Ranya Rao is involved in. The actor was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport after arriving from Dubai with 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. Yatnal, a Bijapur City MLA, made crude remarks, saying Ranya Rao hid the gold “wherever she had holes.” He also claimed to know which state ministers were involved and vowed to name them in the upcoming Assembly session.
Legal Action Against the MLA
The backlash was swift. On March 18, a case was filed against BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal at Bengaluru’s High Grounds Police Station. The complaint, lodged by Akula Anuradha on behalf of Ranya Rao, accused the MLA of making remarks that insulted the actor’s dignity. The case was registered under Section 79 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which deals with acts intended to insult a woman’s modesty.
The Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
The Ranya Rao gold smuggling case has been making headlines since her arrest. Ranya Rao claims she was framed and alleges she faced physical assault by officials, saying she was slapped 10 to 15 times and forced to sign blank documents. Her stepfather, a senior IPS officer, has been sent on compulsory leave amid suspicions of his involvement. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) says Ranya Rao and her friend Tarun Raju made 26 trips to Dubai, smuggling gold each time.
A Case That Keeps Growing
The Ranya Rao case has taken on political tones, with BJP MLA Basangouda Patil Yatnal’s remarks adding fuel to the fire. As investigations continue, the focus remains on whether justice will be served in the gold smuggling case Ranya Rao is entangled in, while the MLA faces his own legal battle for his offensive words.