BENGALURU: The arrest of Sandalwood actor Ranya Rao at Bengaluru airport for smuggling gold has raised several questions about a possible larger network behind her.
Authorities are now probing whether she had accomplices and if a smuggling syndicate was involved. Terming it a matter of national security, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has sought her custody for further interrogation.
“This apart, there are many unanswered questions: Who is helping Ranya? Is there a smuggling syndicate behind her? A deep investigation is necessary,” the public prosecutor argued, urging the court to grant her custody for three days from March 9.
Rao’s arrest at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) for allegedly smuggling 14.8kg of gold has sparked a high-profile investigation, with authorities now scrutinizing her extensive international travel.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has revealed that she visited Dubai 27 times and traveled to over 45 countries, raising suspicions about her frequent trips.
Sources also indicate the jewellery was allegedly acquired under instructions from a prominent politician, though officials have not disclosed any names. Reports suggest the ornaments were sourced from a high-end designer store in the city.
Ranya, daughter of DGP (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, was already under DRI surveillance after officials received intelligence about her suspected involvement in gold smuggling. Acting on a tip-off, a DRI team was stationed at KIA two hours before her Emirates flight landed at 7 pm on Monday. She was intercepted with gold bars hidden in a belt strapped to her body and was immediately taken into custody.
She was produced before a special financial offences court on March 4, where the judge remanded her to judicial custody until March 18.
Before being sent to judicial custody, Ranya underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital. During questioning, she insisted her frequent Dubai visits were for business but officials suspect she was part of an organized smuggling operation.
As the probe deepens, authorities are analysing her financial records and possible connections to a broader gold smuggling syndicate.
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