Ranya Rao Remanded in Custody Amid Gold Smuggling Allegations
Ranya Rao, a Bengaluru actress, has been taken into custody until March 10 for allegedly smuggling gold bars worth Rs 14.5 crore. The DRI is investigating her activities, raising concerns over national security. Reports indicate she has made numerous trips to Dubai and was part of a smuggling network. The case has prompted discussions on potential changes to existing protocols.
In Bengaluru, actress Ranya Rao has been remanded in custody by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) until March 10, in connection with a gold smuggling case. The 33-year-old was allegedly caught smuggling 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at approximately Rs 14.5 crore at Kempegowda International Airport. DRI officials requested her custodial interrogation to uncover the gold’s origin and its intended destination, citing potential threats to national security due to her activities.
A special court for economic offences granted the DRI custody of Ms. Rao until 4 PM on March 10, instructing her to fully cooperate with the investigations. The court permitted her half-hour daily meetings with her legal counsel, while also affirming that the DRI must provide her with all fundamental necessities in accordance with Supreme Court guidelines. Following the court’s decision, Ms. Rao was visibly emotional and broke down in the courthouse.
Ranya Rao first came under investigation after her fourth trip to Dubai within a span of just 15 days. Upon her arrest, she confessed to carrying 17 gold bars and mentioned her extensive travels to regions including Europe, the Middle East, and the United States. Reports indicate that she made nearly 27 trips to Dubai over the previous year and was purportedly involved in a smuggling ring, earning substantial commissions ranging from Rs 4 to 5 lakh per kilogram of gold transported to Bengaluru.
The recent seizure of 14.2 kg of gold represents one of the largest at Bengaluru airport in recent times. Following her arrest, subsequent searches at Ms. Rao’s residence resulted in the discovery of gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.06 crore, along with Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
In response to allegations of misuse of protocol policy for smuggling purposes, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara indicated that the state government may consider making adjustments to this policy. It has been reported that Ranya Rao claims her father is KS Hegdesh, a real estate businessman, while her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, is an architect residing in Bengaluru. Her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, who serves as Director-General of Police for the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, has publicly denied any wrongdoing related to his stepdaughter’s alleged smuggling activities, expressing that he is “devastated” by the situation.
In summary, the case of Ranya Rao highlights significant concerns regarding gold smuggling activities at Indian airports. The DRI’s detention of the actress raises questions about the effectiveness of current protocols in preventing such illicit activities. The case’s unfolding could lead to policy changes aimed at tightening regulations on baggage protocols, ensuring national security while addressing the serious allegations against Ms. Rao.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
