Bengaluru: State Government issues official order to implement 'Gruhalakshmi' scheme
Bengaluru: In line with their electoral promises, the Congress party, having recently assumed power in the state, has begun the implementation of their flagship initiative known as the "Gruhalakshmi" scheme. Today, the state government officially issued an order to put the scheme into effect, granting a monthly allowance of Rs 2,000 to women heads of the households.
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“The government intends to implement the “Gruhalakshmi Scheme” which will be given to the women head of the family. Accordingly, the women head of family residing in the state of Karnataka will be paid Rs. 2000 per month. In-principle approval has been given for implementation of the “Gruhalakshmi Scheme.” A detailed outline and guidelines of the scheme will be issued separately,” the order read.
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Gold smuggling case: Judicial custody of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, two others extended until Apr 21
Bengaluru, Apr 07 (PTI): A court here on Monday extended the judicial custody of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, and two others until April 21 in connection with a gold smuggling case. Ranya, businessman Tarun Raju, and jewellery dealer Sahil Jain are accused of orchestrating the illegal import of gold worth over Rs 12.56 crore from Dubai to India.
The case came to light on March 3, 2025, when Rao alias Harshavardhani Ranya was apprehended at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport with 14.8 kilograms of gold allegedly smuggled from Dubai. Subsequent investigations revealed that Ranya had made 45 solo trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025, raising suspicions of her involvement in a broader smuggling network.
Further scrutiny uncovered her association with Vira Diamonds Trading, a Dubai-based firm she co-founded in 2023 with actor and businessman Tarun Raju. Authorities allege that this company was used as a front for smuggling operations. Raju, also known as Virat Konduru, was arrested following evidence of his involvement in purchasing gold in Dubai and facilitating its illegal transport to India.
Investigations also implicated jeweller Sahil Jain, who is suspected of assisting Ranya in selling approximately 49 kilograms of smuggled gold valued at over Rs 40 crore. Jain allegedly managed hawala transactions, transferring significant sums to Dubai, and received commissions for his role in the operations.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has presented substantial evidence linking the accused to the smuggling activities. The court previously denied bail to Raju, citing the serious nature of the economic offense and potential flight risk due to his frequent international travel history.
