Ranya Rao’s Involvement in Rs 38 Crore Hawala Racket Unveiled

Actor Ranya Rao is implicated in a hawala racket exceeding Rs 38 crore, linked to gold smuggling activities with accomplices. Arrested at Bengaluru airport, authorities seized concealed gold bars and substantial cash at her home. Her family ties complicate the investigation, as her stepfather, an IPS officer, claims unawareness of her actions.

Actor Ranya Rao, recently arrested for gold smuggling, is implicated in a significant hawala racket worth over Rs 38 crore. NDTV accessed a remand copy revealing the extent of her involvement alongside other accused, including her aide Tarun Raju and gold merchant Sahil Jain. Investigators detail how Rao and Jain smuggled gold from Dubai and funneled money through illicit channels.

Jain, identified as accused number three, stated that he aided Ranya Rao in disposing of 14 kg of gold valued at Rs 11.5 crore in January and transferred hawala money amounting to Rs 55 lakh in Bengaluru. Further inquiries indicate he facilitated the disposal of an additional 13 kg of gold and Rs 11.25 crore in hawala funds towards Dubai in February, accumulating total transactions of nearly 50 kg of gold, approximately Rs 40 crore, and Rs 38 crore in hawala funds.

Ranya Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru airport on March 3 after returning from Dubai, where authorities seized gold bars weighing 14.2 kg, valued at Rs 12.56 crore, concealed on her person. Further investigations at her residence implicated her in the possession of gold jewelry worth Rs 2 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 crore, suspected to be hawala proceeds from her gold transactions.

The broader implications of this case extend to her family, as Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramchandra Rao, who asserts ignorance regarding her activities and has been placed on compulsory leave amid ongoing inquiries to assess his possible involvement. Ranya’s prior activity has raised suspicions, with records showing 27 trips to Dubai last year.

Ranya Rao’s case underscores significant issues with gold smuggling and hawala operations in India, revealing extensive networks behind illicit financial activities. Her connections and frequent international travel have drawn scrutiny, complicating her family’s position amid claims of ignorance. As investigations unfold, the totality of the illicit transactions and the extent of the involved networks remains a focal point for authorities.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com