Ranya Rao’s Alleged Gold Smuggling: Details and Investigation Updates
Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, was arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg gold from Dubai. Discovered by the DRI during a physical inspection, she concealed gold bars strapped to her thighs. The actress used VIP exit channels to evade thorough checks. She visited Dubai multiple times in a short period, and investigations into her connections to a smuggling network are ongoing.
Kannada film actor Ranya Rao was allegedly involved in one of the largest gold smuggling cases at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. Officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested her on March 3 after receiving a tip about her arrival from Dubai carrying 14.8 kg of gold improperly concealed on her person.
Initial suspicions suggested that she hid gold bars within her jacket, but the DRI confirmed that the gold was secured to her body. During their examination, DRI officials found 14.2 kg of gold bars ingeniously strapped to her thighs using tape and crepe bandages beneath her clothing.
Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of a senior DGP-rank IPS officer in Karnataka, allegedly utilized VIP channels upon her return to reduce scrutiny at the airport, allowing her to avoid the extensive checks regular passengers face. After her apprehension, the special court for economic offences remanded her to custody until March 18.
The DRI has since sought a three-day custody extension beginning March 9 for further questioning regarding her numerous trips to Dubai. In the past six months, she visited Dubai over 27 times for short stays of 5-10 days each. During the initial questioning, Rao claimed she was compelled to smuggle gold, prompting investigations into potential connections to a broader smuggling network.
Ranya Rao’s recent arrest sheds light on a significant gold smuggling operation involving her alleged concealment methods at the Bengaluru airport. The investigation by the DRI is ongoing as they seek to uncover the full extent of her activities and any larger network connections.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
