High Court stays FIR against Yatnal on his remarks against Ranya Rao

Mangalore Today News Network

Bengaluru, April 2, 2025: The Karnataka High Court has passed an interim order of stay to the FIR registered against Vijayapura MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal with regards to his alleged derogatory statement against actress Ranya Rao, prime accused in the gold smuggling case.

Justice Pradeep Singh Yerur passed this order while adjourning further hearing to April 28, 2025.

Yatnal has challenged the March 18, 2025 FIR, registered by the High Grounds police based on the complaint lodged by Akula Anuradha, a relative of Ranya Rao. The petitioner contended that this complainant was never authorised by Ranya Rao to file any complaint.

Yatnal stated that all he meant to say was that unless loopholes are plugged, the smuggling activities will continue to emerge. “The statement in Kannada especially the northern part of Karnataka is rustic and at first blush appears offensive. However, there was no intention of outraging modesty of the accused person. Further a day prior to registration of complaint on the floor of the house, I had made a statement that two ministers who could be involved in gold smuggling will be named and to counter that present complaint is registered,” the petition said.

Yatnal further stated that no offence can be taken out against him since most of the gold and contraband are smuggled by either consuming them in small pockets or used in any other modes of the body.