Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case: As the case investigation deepens, Kannada actress’ father says the family has no knowledge of her husband’s business.
While frisking Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport, the officials found 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold worth Rs 12.56 crore strapped to her body.
Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s arrest in gold smuggling case is now sparking political ripples as latest reports suggest involvement of a “prominent politician”. The revelation comes hours after AS Ponnanna, legal advisor to the Karnataka chief minister, said that the law will take its own course “irrespective of his connections or relations”.
A report in Times of India quoted sources as saying, “The investigation has now expanded to a jewellery boutique in Bengaluru’s central business district, where the seized ornaments were allegedly procured.”
The source was further quoted: “Preliminary findings suggest they were purchased on behalf of a prominent politician, and officials are now tracing the payment routes.”
Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case: What We Know So Far
• The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has recovered a total of Rs 17.3 crore worth of gold and cash in a smuggling case involving the Kannada actress.
• This is said to be one of the biggest gold seizures from an air passenger in recent times.
• From where were gold seizures made? Ranya Rao had strapped 14.2kg gold bars to her body and landed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) from Dubai on Monday night. It is then that the DRI intercepted her. Later, a raid at her upscale Lavelle Road apartment led to the discovery of Rs 2.1 crore worth of designer gold ornaments and Rs 2.7 crore in cash.
• Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has sought a detailed report from the police regarding the smuggling operation.
• Ranya Rao is believed to have told the cops that she was “blackmailed into gold smuggling“.
• The Kannada actress is daughter of Karnataka DGP (Police Housing Corporation) K Ramachandra Rao, who said expressed his disappointment and shock. “She got married four months ago and has not visited us since. We have no knowledge of her or her husband’s business, he said, adding that there is no black mark on his career and he will let law take its course.
• Ranya Rao has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
