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Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge on Thursday addressed the state government's decision to withdraw the CID inquiry into the Ranya Rao case, stating that it falls within the government's prerogative.
"It is the prerogative of the government. The CBI and DRI are investigating the case. The opposition was going hammer and tong, saying that we were trying to scuttle the investigation. There is no question of succumbing to anyone's pressure. We work independently and transparently. Karnataka govt doesn't work at the behest or criticism of the opposition," he said. Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) asked the CBI to probe the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case. Legal advisor to Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah, AS Ponnanna, said, "CBI's jurisdiction in Karnataka is virtually non-existent unless the government permits... Therefore, in order to get jurisdiction to probe an issue, they have shown it as a multi-state and, secondly, the involvement of officials of the Central government under the Central law. Therefore, they have come to investigate; let them investigate. CBI can investigate all aspects..." Notably, actress Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAD) in Bengaluru for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai. Ranya, the stepdaughter of DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, was produced before a special court judge on the evening of March 4 for financial offences. Prior to her transfer to custody, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru. During her questioning, Rao claimed that her trip to Dubai was for business purposes. However, authorities suspect that her visit was linked to the illegal importation of gold. Then, she was remanded to the custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) until March 10, which was extended till March 24. (ANI)
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