Ranya Rao Sent to DRI Custody in Major Gold Smuggling Case

Actor Ranya Rao, remanded for gold smuggling, was apprehended with 14.2 kg of gold bars at Bengaluru airport. The DRI claims her actions threaten national security. Court has mandated her cooperation, ensuring her basic rights during detention. Rao is reportedly part of a smuggling network with significant financial gains. Investigations may prompt changes to related policies.

Bengaluru: Ranya Rao, the 33-year-old actress and stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, has been remanded into the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s custody until March 10 regarding a gold smuggling case. She was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport while allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at approximately Rs 14.5 crore. The DRI seeks to investigate the origin and destination of the gold due to potential threats to national security.

A special economic offences court granted the DRI custody and mandated cooperation from Ms. Rao, allowing her to meet her lawyer for half an hour daily. Basic facilities must be provided as per Supreme Court regulations, and no threats should occur during her interrogation. Following the ruling, Ms. Rao was visibly distressed, crying in the court.

The DRI became suspicious after Ms. Rao’s frequent trips to Dubai, totaling four visits in fifteen days. Post-arrest, she admitted to carrying 17 gold bars and disclosed her extensive travel history across Europe, America, the Middle East, and other regions. Sources indicate she has made 27 trips to Dubai in the past year.

Rao reportedly participated in a smuggling operation, earning significant commissions of Rs 4-5 lakh per kg for transporting gold from Dubai to Bengaluru. The confiscation of 14.2 kg of gold marks one of the largest at the Bengaluru airport recently, with further searches at her home revealing gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.

In light of claims that the actress exploited policy protocols for smuggling, Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara announced plans to possibly revise these policies, instructing the Director General of Police to explore changes. Ms. Rao identifies her father as KS Hegdesh, a businessman, and her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, as an architect living with her in Bengaluru. Meanwhile, Ramachandra Rao has stated he had no involvement in the smuggling incident and feels devastated by the arrest of his stepdaughter.

Ranya Rao is currently in DRI custody due to allegations of gold smuggling, particularly following her suspicious travel patterns and significant transactions. The DRI is pursuing further investigation into her activities, which could impact national security, and there may be policy changes regarding misuse of protocols based on this incident. Her high-profile connections add complexity to the case.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com