Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of a senior police officer, was arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 14.5 crore. She has been remanded to DRI custody until March 10. The case involves serious national security concerns, with further investigations revealing extensive travel abroad and significant sums of money involved. Karnataka authorities are considering policy changes regarding protocol misuse.
Actor Ranya Rao, aged 33, has been remanded into the custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) until March 10, in connection with a significant gold smuggling case. She was apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at approximately Rs 14.5 crore. The DRI has expressed concerns about her possible threats to national security and has requested custodial interrogation to investigate the origin and destination of the gold.
Following the court’s decision, a special economic offences court instructed Ms. Rao to fully cooperate with the investigation and allowed her daily meetings with her legal counsel for thirty minutes. The court emphasized that the DRI must adhere to Supreme Court guidelines by providing basic facilities and refraining from intimidation. Ms. Rao was visibly distressed and broke down in tears after the ruling.
Ranya Rao came under scrutiny after her fourth trip to Dubai in a mere 15 days. Upon her arrest, she confessed to carrying 17 gold bars and revealed extensive travel history, including visits to Europe and the Middle East. Sources indicate that over the past year, she completed 27 trips to Dubai. Notably, the gold seizure is one of the largest recorded at the Bengaluru airport, with searches of her residence uncovering jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
Furthermore, allegations have surfaced regarding Ms. Rao’s misuse of protocol policies for smuggling operations. In response, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara announced that the state government is contemplating policy changes to address such abuses. Ranya Rao identified her biological father as KS Hegdesh, while her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, a senior police officer, has publicly denied any involvement in her illicit activities and expressed his devastation regarding her arrest.
In conclusion, Ranya Rao’s arrest for gold smuggling has raised significant concerns regarding security and the potential misuse of official protocols. The considerable amounts of gold smuggled and cash seized highlight the severity of the situation. As the investigation unfolds, policy changes may be considered to prevent future abuses, with family members distancing themselves from Ms. Rao’s actions.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
