Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar on Monday firmly rejected media reports suggesting that two state ministers are linked to the high-profile gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao. Labeling the claims as “political gossip,” Shivakumar emphasized that the Karnataka government has no involvement in the matter, as it is being handled entirely by central agencies.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Shivakumar said, “No minister is involved; we don’t know anything. It’s all political gossip. Investigating officers will proceed according to the law, and we have nothing to do with it.” He further distanced the state administration from the case, noting, “The central government is investigating—let them do it.” His remarks come amid swirling speculation following Rao’s arrest and subsequent developments in the probe.

Ranya Rao, 34, was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport upon arriving from Dubai, with gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore seized from her possession. The following day, DRI raids on her Bengaluru residence uncovered gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. The case escalated further with the arrest of a prominent hotelier’s son on March 10, identified as an alleged accomplice. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has also registered an FIR, signaling a widening investigation.

Rao, stepdaughter of senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao—currently the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.—has drawn significant attention due to her family ties. However, Shivakumar’s dismissal of any ministerial connection seeks to quell rumors of political entanglement. As central agencies deepen their probe into the smuggling racket, the state government maintains its stance of non-interference, leaving the investigation’s outcome to unfold under national scrutiny.