Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, confessed to possessing 17 gold bars during her arrest for smuggling at Bengaluru airport. Her statement revealed extensive international travel and her family background. She confirmed her intention to assist investigators while in custody and denied coercion during her confession. The case highlights significant gold seizures and involves prominent family connections.
In a significant development, Kannada actor Ranya Rao admitted to authorities that she was in possession of “17 gold bars” following her arrest at the Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru. This confession, obtained by NDTV, details her international travel activities across the Middle East, Dubai, and various Western countries. Notably, she indicated that she had made 27 trips to Dubai within the past year.
In her statement, Ms. Rao elaborated on her family background, identifying her father, KS Hegdesh, as a real estate businessman and her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, an architect residing with her in Bengaluru. Additionally, she disclosed her stepfather as Ramachandra Rao, the Director-General of Police of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.
Having made her acting debut in the 2014 film Maanikya alongside Kichcha Sudeep, Ms. Rao expressed her willingness to cooperate with ongoing investigations while remaining in judicial custody until her next hearing. She underscored that her statement was given voluntarily, without any coercion, and mentioned that meals offered to her were declined due to lack of hunger.
The arrest, which involved the seizure of approximately 14 kg of gold valued at ₹14.56 crore, represents one of the most substantial gold confiscations in recent times. In response, her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, has publicly denied any involvement in the alleged crimes, expressing shock and devastation regarding the situation surrounding his stepdaughter’s arrest.
Ranya Rao’s case draws considerable attention due to her connections and the substantial nature of the seizure involved. As she navigates the legal implications of her confession, her family’s response, particularly that of her stepfather, emphasizes the gravity of the allegations. The unfolding details of her travel and personal background further add complexity to the narrative surrounding this high-profile incident.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
