DK Shivakumar Gives A Clean Chit To Rival Parameshwara In Gold Smuggling Case

In an interesting political twist in Karnataka politics, Deputy chief minister DK Shivakumar made a large-hearted move and defended his colleague Home Minister G Parameshwara for giving money — transferring Rs 40 lakhs to actor Ranya Rao, the main accused in the gold smuggling case. This was unexpected as Parameshwara had only appealed to CM Siddaramaiah for help. DKS supporters are pleased that at least one of the obstacles to DKS succeeding Siddaramaiah as CM by end of 2025 has been tamed with this gesture. Encouraged by Siddaramaiah, Parameshwara had been opposing DKS’s elevation, projecting himself as the most suitable candidate to be Karnataka’s first Dalit CM. He suffered a significant setback after the ED began conducting raids on educational institutions owned by him on May 21. The raids are linked to a financial transaction in which money was transferred to Ranya Rao’s account from one of Parameshwara’s institutions. DKS said Parameshwara had given money as a gift. DKS more than clarified…he even went on to give Parameshwara a clean chit saying it wasn’t possible for his institutions to fund illegal activities. DKS, as KPCC chief, visited Parameshwara. “He told me he had given Rs 15 to 25 lakh. We are all in public life. Many of us run trusts. During weddings and other occasions, it is common to give gifts.” Sources reveal that the educational trust associated with Parameshwara allegedly paid off actor Ranya Rao’s credit card bill of Rs 40 lakh. The bill was reportedly cleared following instructions from an influential individual. She is now under intense scrutiny, with hawala operators confessing to purchasing gold from her. Fearing the worst, Parameshwara called on Siddaramaiah to explain his position.