Ranya Rao Claims Innocence in Gold Smuggling Case: Trapped or Complicit?
Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, claims innocence in a gold smuggling case, stating she was trapped. During questioning, she revealed emotional trauma related to the incident. Despite her claims, she was found with 17 gold bars, raising questions about her narrative. Authorities are investigating connections similar to past smuggling cases.
Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, has claimed her innocence in connection with a gold smuggling case. During questioning by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), she broke down and insisted that she was trapped in the situation. Despite this assertion, her previous statements indicate she was caught with 17 gold bars. Authorities aim to clarify the circumstances surrounding her involvement in the case.
Rao expressed emotional distress, saying, “I keep thinking why did I get into it. My mind keeps going back to the day at the airport. I cannot sleep. I am having mental trauma.” This statement was made in front of her lawyers as she faced court proceedings. Her claims complicate the investigation, as DRI examinations highlighted discrepancies in her narrative.
Allegedly, Rao was caught transporting gold bars valued at ₹12 crore concealed in a hidden belt at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. Authorities also confiscated cash and jewelry worth crores from her residence. Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of Karnataka IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, who has distanced himself from her actions, stating ignorance of her whereabouts since she resides with husband Jatin Hukkeri.
The case bears resemblance to a previous incident in Chennai, where a woman was smuggling gold due to blackmail by an associate. Investigators suspect a similar scenario for Rao, considering that someone close may have influenced her involvement in illegal activities. Additionally, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is pursuing a separate case against international drug smugglers related to this incident.
Ranya Rao asserts she is innocent in the gold smuggling case, claiming to be a victim of manipulation. Her statements hint at significant emotional distress, yet contradict her previous admissions during inquiries. The investigation continues to explore possible connections to similar past incidents, as authorities seek to determine the individuals behind her alleged entrapment.
Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com
