Gold Smuggling Accused Ranya Rao Gets VIP Treatment At Hasanamba Temple, BJP Slams Congress Government

Hassan, Karnataka, November 2, 2026: Kannada actress Ranya Rao has triggered a fresh political controversy in Karnataka after reportedly receiving VIP treatment during her visit to the famous Hasanamba Temple in Hassan district. The incident has drawn criticism from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has questioned the Congress-led state government’s arrangements for the actress and her family.

Ranya Rao visited the temple on October 31, accompanied by her stepfather, retired Director General of Police (DGP) K. Ramachandra Rao, and other family members. According to reports, the family arrived at the temple in an official protocol vehicle and was reportedly provided preferential access for darshan.

The controversy has gained attention because Ranya Rao is currently facing allegations in a high-profile gold smuggling case involving the seizure of 14.2 kg of gold at Bengaluru airport in March 2025.

BJP Leader CT Ravi Questions VIP Treatment

BJP MLC CT Ravi criticised the Congress government over the reported VIP arrangements extended to Ranya Rao during her temple visit.

Taking a swipe at the state government, Ravi reportedly said, “Perhaps, in the view of the state government, Ranya Rao is a VIP. The Congress government may have considered her a VIP.”

His remarks have intensified the political debate over the alleged use of official protocol facilities for the actress and her family.

The controversy has also raised questions about the use of government-provided privileges, particularly when ordinary devotees visiting the popular temple reportedly have to wait in long queues for darshan.

Ranya Rao’s Hasanamba Temple Visit Sparks Public Debate

The Hasanamba Temple in Hassan is one of Karnataka’s prominent religious destinations. The temple opens its doors to devotees for a limited period every year, attracting thousands of visitors from across Karnataka and neighbouring states.

During the annual temple festival, devotees often wait for several hours to offer prayers to Goddess Hasanamba.

Against this backdrop, reports of Ranya Rao receiving special treatment have attracted public attention. Questions are being raised over whether official protocol facilities meant for her retired DGP stepfather were also extended to other family members.

However, the reported arrangements and political criticism do not by themselves establish any wrongdoing in connection with the temple visit.

What Is the Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case?

Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3, 2025, after officials allegedly caught her attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold through Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.

Investigators subsequently examined her alleged links to an organised gold smuggling network operating between Dubai and Bengaluru.

According to investigation-related reports, she allegedly received commissions of approximately Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh for every kilogram of gold smuggled into India.

The case attracted widespread attention because of the quantity of gold seized and allegations of a larger network involving multiple handlers and jewellers.

ED Chargesheet Mentions Rs 102 Crore Gold Smuggling Network

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) named Ranya Rao in its chargesheet relating to an alleged Rs 102-crore gold smuggling operation.

According to the allegations outlined in the chargesheet, the syndicate smuggled more than 127 kg of gold into India over a period of one year. The gold was allegedly distributed in the domestic market through a network of handlers and jewellers.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has also reportedly imposed a penalty of Rs 102 crore on Ranya Rao in connection with the case.

She has secured bail, and the allegations remain subject to legal proceedings.

Congress Government Faces Questions Over Protocol Arrangements

The incident has put the Karnataka government under political pressure, with the BJP questioning how the reported VIP arrangements were facilitated.

At the centre of the controversy is the reported use of a protocol vehicle associated with retired DGP K. Ramachandra Rao during the family’s temple visit.

The BJP’s criticism has brought renewed attention to the issue of VIP privileges at public and religious institutions, especially during major festivals when ordinary devotees face long waiting periods.

The state government’s position on the specific allegations surrounding the arrangements will be important in clarifying whether established protocol rules were followed.

A Temple Visit Turns Into a Political Controversy

What began as a religious visit has now developed into a political issue in Karnataka. Ranya Rao’s reported VIP darshan has triggered questions about preferential treatment, government protocol and accountability.

With the BJP demanding answers from the Congress government, the controversy is likely to remain in the spotlight.

Meanwhile, the gold smuggling case continues through the legal process, keeping Ranya Rao’s name in public discussion for reasons extending beyond her acting career.