Ranya Rao Remanded in Custody for Alleged Gold Smuggling

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress and IPS officer’s stepdaughter, was arrested for gold smuggling, allegedly carrying 14.2 kg of gold valued at Rs 14.5 crore. Following a court order, she remains in DRI custody until March 10. Investigations into her activities suggest involvement in a smuggling network with large commissions and may prompt policy changes in Karnataka.

Ranya Rao, a 33-year-old Kannada actress and stepdaughter of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, has been remanded in Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) custody until March 10 for alleged gold smuggling. Rao was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru with 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at around Rs 14.5 crore. Authorities are investigating the source of the gold and its destination, citing potential national security risks.

The special economic offenses court permitted the DRI to hold Ms. Rao until 4 PM on March 10, ordering her to cooperate with investigators. She is allowed to meet her legal counsel for 30 minutes daily. The court also mandated that her basic rights be preserved in line with Supreme Court guidelines, including protection from threats during interrogation.

After the court’s decision, Ms. Rao visibly distressed, cried in the courtroom. Her case came to light following her repeated trips to Dubai—four visits in just 15 days—and her previous travels to Europe, America, and Saudi Arabia. Reports indicate she had undertaken 27 trips to Dubai last year.

Furthermore, investigations reveal that Rao allegedly played a role in a smuggling network in which she earned substantial commissions of Rs 4-5 lakh per kilogram for transporting gold from Dubai to Bengaluru. The DRI’s seizure of 14.2 kg of gold ranks among the most significant at the Bengaluru airport recently, with a further search of her residence uncovering gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.

In light of the allegations regarding Rao’s possible misuse of protocol policies, Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara announced that the state government is considering revisions to these policies. Ms. Rao has identified KS Hegdesh, a real estate businessman, as her father and noted that her spouse, Jatin Hukkeri, resides with her in Bengaluru. Ramachandra Rao expressed that he was devastated by the circumstances surrounding his stepdaughter’s arrest and denied any wrongdoing related to her actions.

Ranya Rao’s case highlights significant concerns regarding gold smuggling operations linked to national security. As the investigation unfolds, the implications for protocol policies in Karnataka may lead to systemic changes. The extent of the smuggling network and the involvement of individuals from established backgrounds raises questions about oversight and enforcement in monitoring such activities.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com