Bengaluru actress Ranya Rao’s friend Tarun Konduraju was arrested in a gold smuggling case linked to Rao, who was previously detained for smuggling 14 kg of gold from Dubai. Investigations are underway by the DRI and CID, also involving political allegations amid ongoing scrutiny surrounding the guidelines bypassed by the actress allegedly using her stepfather’s VIP privileges.
Ranya Rao, a Bengaluru-based actress, has found herself embroiled in a gold smuggling scandal following the arrest of her friend, Tarun Konduraju, who accompanied her to Dubai. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is intensifying its investigation, leading to Konduraju’s presentation in court. Rao was apprehended last week at Bengaluru airport, with authorities discovering 14 kilograms of gold allegedly smuggled from Dubai.
Ranya Rao, who made her acting debut in the 2014 Kannada movie “Maanikya,” traveled back on an Emirates flight and is the stepdaughter of senior Indian Police Service officer K Ramachandra Rao. A probe has been initiated by the Karnataka government regarding allegations that police personnel facilitated Rao’s airport passage, enabling her to evade security checks during her illegal activities. Reports indicate frequent trips to Dubai for the purpose of gold smuggling.
The Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is examining the possibility of involvement from Rao’s stepfather concerning her abuses of privilege. They will also investigate whether any law enforcement officials neglected their duties to assist in her operations. Rao’s stepfather expressed profound distress over the allegations, emphasizing his family’s struggle to come to terms with the situation. He stated that if Ranya committed any legal violations, she would face appropriate consequences.
Furthermore, Rao’s personal life has come under scrutiny as it was revealed that she married Jatin Hukkeri in 2024, with no invitations extended to her family. The DRI, along with the Karnataka Police, is joined by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in exploring the depths of the gold smuggling case.
This scandal has provoked a political fallout as well, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accusing the Congress government of shielding Rao by suggesting she sought intervention from two ministers to avoid prosecution. Conversely, the Congress party has alleged that under the BJP-led administration, property was allocated to Rao for a steel plant project in 2023, raising concerns regarding political favoritism.
The unfolding investigation into Ranya Rao’s alleged gold smuggling activities has led to significant legal and political repercussions. The involvement of her friend Tarun Konduraju, alongside the probing of police conduct linked to the case, suggests a web of complications. With inquiries from multiple agencies and political ramifications, the case continues to draw attention as it develops, emphasizing the serious implications of smuggling and the potential abuse of authority.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
