Bengaluru/Hassan, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Actress Ranya Rao, an accused in the gold smuggling case, visited the famous Hasanamba Temple in Karnataka’s Hassan district on Saturday, accompanied by her stepfather, retired Director General of Police K. Ramachandra Rao, and other family members.
The visit triggered questions and criticism after she was reportedly allowed to reach the temple and have darshan using a protocol vehicle and facilities extended to her stepfather.
The Hassan district administration’s arrangements drew criticism from members of the public, while the issue also sparked a political reaction.
Ranya Rao arrived at the temple in traditional attire with her family members but declined to comment when approached by media personnel.
BJP MLC C.T. Ravi criticised the Congress-led Karnataka government over the protocol arrangements.
“Perhaps, in the view of the state government, Ranya Rao is a VIP. The Congress government may have considered her a VIP,” he said.
The arrangements for the temple visit have raised questions over the facilities extended to a person facing allegations in a high-profile gold smuggling case.
The Hasanamba Temple opened on Thursday, drawing thousands of devotees from across Karnataka. The shrine opens only once a year, allowing darshan for a limited period.
According to long-held beliefs associated with the temple, the lamp inside the closed sanctum remains lit throughout the year, flowers do not wither, prasad remains fresh and food offerings do not spoil.
Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardhini Ranya, was arrested in March 2025 in connection with a gold smuggling case involving more than Rs 102 crore.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) personnel intercepted her at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on March 3, 2025, after she arrived from Dubai. She was allegedly found carrying around 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold bars.
Investigators alleged that she was part of an international syndicate involved in smuggling more than 127 kg of gold into India through multiple trips to Dubai.
Although a special court granted her statutory bail, the Central government invoked the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act (COFEPOSA) for her preventive detention. She was kept in Bengaluru Central Prison for a year, according to the report.
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