Actor Ranya Rao was arrested for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore. She received an internet call to collect the gold at Dubai Airport and was aided by an accomplice at Bengaluru’s airport. Rao concealed the gold using adhesive tape and learned methods from YouTube. The DRI apprehended her based on a tip-off.
Ranya Rao, an Indian actor, was arrested for attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold valued at ₹12.56 crore into India. During her interrogation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), she disclosed that she received an internet call instructing her to collect the gold from Gate A at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport. Rao emphasized that this was her inaugural experience with gold smuggling.
She noted that foreign numbers had been contacting her for two weeks prior to her journey. At the airport, Rao accepted two packets from an unidentified man dressed in a white gown in a lounge. The gold was wrapped in a thick tarpaulin-like material. According to documents reported by NDTV, this individual was described as a six-foot-tall man with a wheatish complexion and an American accent.
After acquiring the gold, Rao concealed it in the airport washroom by taping 12 gold bars to her body with adhesive tape, which she had prepared before her flight. Additionally, she concealed parts of the gold in her shoes and pockets. Reports indicate that she had consulted YouTube videos to strategize her smuggling plan.
The DRI informed a Karnataka court that on March 3, upon her arrival at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, she received assistance passing through security from an officer involved in the smuggling operation. Ultimately, DRI officials apprehended her after acting on intelligence regarding possible gold smuggling attempts. Notably, Rao had made 27 trips to Dubai within the last six months, claiming that these were primarily for business and photography purposes.
In conclusion, Ranya Rao’s involvement in gold smuggling highlights the complexities and risks associated with such illicit activities. Her case illustrates the consequences of succumbing to criminal operations, despite being a first-time offender. Furthermore, her extensive travel history raises questions about potential smuggling networks operating between India and Dubai.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
