Karnataka's Yallamma Temple to Receive Rs 100 Crore Uplift Amid Gold Smuggling Probe

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai announced a Rs 100 crore upgrade for Savadatti Yallamma Temple, funded by the Central PRASAD scheme. Meanwhile, he demanded a thorough CBI inquiry into a gold smuggling network allegedly involving actress Ranya Rao and addressed protocol breaches by senior officials at Bengaluru Airport.

Former Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai has conveyed his appreciation to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat for sanctioning Rs 100 crore for the enhancement of Savadatti Yallamma Hill, a revered pilgrimage site in North Karnataka. This funding, approved under the Central PRASAD scheme, aims to equip the temple with modern facilities for the thousands of devotees who visit annually.

Bommai expressed optimism that the development initiative would generate positive sentiments among the temple's devotees. He publicly thanked PM Modi and Minister Shekhawat via a post on X, affirming that the project will significantly improve the pilgrimage experience by offering upgraded amenities. Bommai also underscored the anticipated positive impact of this development on the local community.

In related news, Bommai called for a comprehensive investigation into an alleged illegal gold smuggling network linked to Kannada actress Ranya Rao, following reports of criminal activities. During a media address in Delhi, Bommai urged for a revealing of individuals involved in the network. He dismissed allegations against him, clarifying that land allocation matters concerning Xiroda India Pvt. Ltd., where Rao was a director, were not handled by his office. Current Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah has also launched a probe into related allegations of 'protocol violations' involving senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao.

(With inputs from agencies.)