Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, was arrested for smuggling 14 kg of gold worth Rs 14.56 crore at Bengaluru Airport after making 27 trips to Dubai in a year. The DRI has linked her to a gold smuggling network, securing her judicial custody for further investigations into her financial dealings and connections.
Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) after 14 kg of gold bars, valued at Rs 14.56 crore, were confiscated from her at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. Notably, Ms. Rao had made 27 trips to Dubai within the past year, prompting the DRI to monitor her activities closely due to the frequency of her travels.
Ms. Rao, the stepsdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, was taken into custody on Monday night. The Customs department has requested four days of custody for the actress, who is currently 33 years old, during the consideration of her bail petition. A lawyer representing Ms. Rao contended that she was previously in judicial custody from March 4 to March 18 without further inquiries from the DRI.
Investigations indicate that Ms. Rao was implicated in a gold smuggling operation, reportedly earning between Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh in commission for transporting one kilogram of gold from Dubai to Bengaluru. Following the confiscation at the airport, authorities conducted a search at her residence and uncovered gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.06 crore, along with Indian currency totaling Rs 2.67 crore.
Mr. Ramachandra Rao has expressed his dismay regarding the allegations against his stepdaughter, stating he was unaware of her and her husband’s financial undertakings. He remarked, “Like any other father, I was shocked and devastated when it came to my notice through the media.” The officer also mentioned that Ms. Rao resides with her husband, separate from him, and speculated potential family issues may be a factor in the case.
Ranya Rao arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight this Monday. Authorities grew suspicious of her activities after she made four trips to Dubai within a fortnight, leading to a thorough investigation upon her return. It is alleged that she concealed a significant amount of gold on her person, utilizing connections to navigate airport security. Presently, investigations are ongoing to determine whether Ms. Rao is acting independently or is part of a broader smuggling operation.
In summary, Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, was arrested following a significant gold seizure at Bengaluru’s airport, with authorities noting her extensive travel to Dubai. The actress is implicated in a larger smuggling scheme and faces serious allegations involving substantial financial dealings. Elevated concerns from law enforcement authorities suggest a thorough investigation will be ongoing regarding her alleged connections and the extent of her involvement in smuggling activities.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
