A BJP legislator in Karnataka, known for his outspoken and often controversial remarks, has stirred a fresh controversy with vulgar comments about Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who is currently under investigation for gold smuggling.
Basangouda Patil Yatnal, the MLA from Bijapur City, made the remarks while discussing the alleged smuggling attempt and hinted at the involvement of certain ministers in the case.
Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru airport two weeks ago after being caught with 14 kg of gold bars concealed in her clothing upon arrival from Dubai. Preliminary investigations suggest possible collusion with airport staff.
A viral video shows Mr. Yatnal addressing reporters, asserting that all those involved must be held accountable. He also questioned whether someone should be defended simply because they are a central government employee, referring to a senior IPS officer—her stepfather.
Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-level officer who denied any links to the case, was placed on "compulsory leave" days after his stepdaughter’s arrest.
"There were lapses by customs officials, and necessary action should be taken against them. She (Ranya Rao) had gold all over her body, hiding it wherever she had holes, and smuggled it in," Mr. Yatnal was heard saying in Kannada.
He further claimed that he would expose all ministers allegedly involved in the case during the upcoming assembly session.
"I have gathered complete information about her relationships, who helped her obtain security clearance, and how the gold was smuggled in. I will reveal everything in the session, including exactly where she hid the gold," he added.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar has dismissed allegations of any ministerial involvement, calling them "political gossip."
Mr. Yatnal is no stranger to controversy. His latest remarks come after repeated attacks on Karnataka BJP state chief B.Y. Vijayendra, son of former Chief Minister B.S. Yediyurappa. He had previously demanded Mr. Yediyurappa’s removal when he was in office.
In 2023, the Election Commission issued a notice to him for referring to Congress leader Sonia Gandhi as a "vishkanya."
Back in 2020, he endorsed scrapping a wedding scheme for underprivileged women from minority communities, controversially stating that "those who want the scheme can go to Pakistan."
He also sparked outrage by branding a 103-year-old freedom fighter a "Pakistani agent" for his stance on the citizenship law.
