Ranya Rao Remanded in Custody for Gold Smuggling Case
Ranya Rao, an actress and stepdaughter of a senior police official, has been remanded in custody until March 10 for allegedly smuggling gold worth Rs 14.5 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence seeks to interrogate her regarding her activities, which may threaten national security. The case’s ramifications involve potential policy changes in response to alleged misuse of governmental protocols.
In Bengaluru, actor Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of senior Indian Police Service officer Ramachandra Rao, was remanded in custody until March 10 in connection with a gold smuggling case. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Ms. Rao for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at approximately Rs 14.5 crore at Kempegowda International Airport. The DRI has requested her custodial interrogation to ascertain the origins of the gold and its intended destination, suggesting her actions could pose a threat to national security.
A special court for economic offenses granted her custody until 4 PM on March 10, instructing her to cooperate with investigators while allowing her daily meetings with her attorney for half an hour. The court emphasized that the DRI must not threaten her and should provide essential facilities according to Supreme Court standards. Following the ruling, Ms. Rao was visibly distressed, breaking down in tears.
Ms. Rao drew the attention of DRI officials after conducting her fourth trip to Dubai within a mere 15 days. Upon her arrest, she revealed her involvement in transporting 17 gold bars and admitted to extensive travels across Europe, America, the Middle East, Dubai, and Saudi Arabia within the past year, which totals 27 trips to Dubai.
The 33-year-old actress, known for her 2014 debut in ‘Maanikya,’ reportedly participated in a smuggling syndicate, earning significant commissions of Rs 4-5 lakh per kilogram for her operations between Dubai and Bengaluru. The seizure of 14.2 kg of gold marks one of the most significant busts at Bengaluru airport recently. Additionally, authorities uncovered gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash during searches at her residence.
Following allegations that Ms. Rao exploited protocol policies to facilitate the gold smuggling, Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara indicated on Friday that the state government is reviewing these policies. The Director General of Police has been tasked with exploring potential changes. In statements to investigators, Ms. Rao identified her father as KS Hegdesh, a real estate businessman, and mentioned her husband, architect Jatin Hukkeri, currently residing with her in Bengaluru. Ramachandra Rao, her stepfather and Director-General of Police, has publicly refuted any involvement in her alleged activities and expressed devastation regarding her arrest.
In summary, Ranya Rao is under investigation for her involvement in a gold smuggling case, resulting in her custody until March 10. Authorities have raised concerns regarding national security and potential misuse of protocol policies. The case has garnered significant attention, prompting discussions on policy reforms. Furthermore, the implications of her connections, particularly through her family ties, continue to unfold as investigations proceed.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
