Home Minister Parameshwara ED Raids

Parameshwara Latest News: ED Raids, Political Backing, and Gold Smuggling Case

Karnataka Home Minister Parameshwara ED Raids has been in the headlines due to Enforcement Directorate (ED) on educational institutions linked to him. The raids are part of a money laundering probe connected to the gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao. The political drama has intensified with Congress leaders defending Parameshwara, calling the ED action “politically motivated”, while the BJP has accused him of financial irregularities.

Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest developments:

1. ED Raids on Institutions Linked to Parameshwara

The ED conducted searches on May 21–22, 2025, at multiple educational institutions associated with Parameshwara, including:

• Siddhartha Medical College (Tumakuru & Begur)
• Siddhartha Institute of Technology
• Siddhartha Academy of Higher Education

Home Minister Parameshwara ED Raids, the probe agency sought financial records from the past five years, focusing on alleged hawala transactions and suspicious payments linked to Ranya Rao, the prime accused in a ₹12.56 crore gold smuggling case

Key Allegations

• ₹40 lakh payment from an educational trust (linked to Parameshwara) was allegedly used to clear Ranya Rao’s credit card bill without proper documentation
• The ED suspects fund diversion from the trust on the oral instructions of a “politically exposed person”

Parameshwara has denied wrongdoing, stating he is “prepared to cooperate” with the investigation

2. Congress Leaders Rally Behind Parameshwara

DK Shivakumar’s “Wedding Gift” Defense

Deputy CM DK Shivakumar defended Parameshwara, claiming the ₹40 lakh transaction could have been a “wedding gift”. He stated:

“We are in public life, many run trusts. At a family event or marriage, gifts might have been given. Will an influential person like Parameshwara encourage illegal activities like smuggling?”

Shivakumar also emphasized Parameshwara’s clean image, citing his 30+ years in politics and contributions to Karnataka

Siddaramaiah’s Caste & Political Angle

Chief Minister Siddaramaiah called the raids “politically and caste-motivated”, alleging that the BJP was targeting Parameshwara because he is a prominent Dalit leader:

“Why aren’t BS Yediyurappa, BY Vijayendra, or HD Kumaraswamy raided? This is political vendetta.”

Congress’ National Response

Senior Congress leader Jairam Ramesh condemned the ED action, calling it “harassment and intimidation” by the Modi government:

“The BJP is nervous about Karnataka’s achievements. These raids are a desperate attempt to silence opposition.”

3. The Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case

Arrest & Seizure

• March 3, 2025: Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru Airport after arriving from Dubai.
• 14.2 kg of gold (worth ₹12.56 crore) was seized from her

ED’s Money Laundering Probe

The ED is investigating whether smuggling proceeds were funneled into Parameshwara’s institutions via hawala channels 8. The agency alleges:

• No supporting documents for the ₹40 lakh payment to Rao.
• Suspicious transactions between Rao and entities linked to Parameshwara

Bail & Ongoing Detention

• Rao was granted default bail on May 20 (since the DRI failed to file a chargesheet in time).
• However, she remains in jail under the COFEPOSA Act (preventive detention law) 910.

4. Political Fallout & BJP’s Counterattack

BJP’s Allegations

• LoP R Ashoka claimed the ED is probing if smuggling money was invested in Parameshwara’s institutions
• The BJP accused Congress of shielding corruption by defending Parameshwara 11.

Congress’ Counter

• Randeep Surjewala (Congress in-charge) linked the raids to Karnataka’s recent SC/ST welfare schemes, calling it “revenge politics”

5. What’s Next?

• ED’s Final Report: The agency is expected to submit findings soon.
• Political Protests: Congress may stage nationwide protests if Parameshwara is charged
• Parameshwara’s Stance: He has vowed to “cooperate fully” but may speak out if he feels targeted

Conclusion

The Home Minister Parameshwara ED Raids have sparked a major political storm in Karnataka. While the Congress defends him as a victim of vendetta politics, the BJP insists the probe is legitimate. The case’s outcome could impact Karnataka’s political landscape, especially with 2028 state elections in sight.

For now, all eyes are on the ED’s next move—will it lead to charges, or will Parameshwara emerge unscathed? Only time will tell.

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Sanashh

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