Daijiworld Media Network - Bengaluru
Bengaluru, Mar 6: Kannada actress Ranya Rao, daughter of a serving IPS officer, has been arrested for her involvement in a gold smuggling network, with investigations revealing that she earned hefty commissions for smuggling gold from Dubai to Bengaluru.
According to sources, Ranya Rao acted at the behest of gold smuggling kingpins, who exploited her status as an IPS officer's daughter to avoid scrutiny. The investigation uncovered that the actress, whose financial background did not support lavish purchases, could not have legitimately acquired gold worth Rs 17.29 crore.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials discovered that Ranya Rao received commissions ranging from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 5 lakh per kilogram of gold smuggled. Authorities believe that the international smuggling ring strategically used her profile to facilitate the illegal operations.
The probe also raised suspicions about the involvement of staffers at Bengaluru International Airport, suggesting a deeper nexus within the smuggling network. Investigators are now focused on identifying the recipients of the smuggled gold.
Ranya Rao's financial records, including bank transactions from the last two years, are under scrutiny. Her mobile phone has been seized, and forensic analysis is underway to trace her connections within the network.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is expected to take over the case following the seizure of a significant quantity of gold and cash from Ranya Rao at the airport and her residence. DRI officials have reportedly shared information with the ED regarding the Rs 2.67 crore of unaccounted cash found at her home. The actress could also face charges under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
Sources indicated that Ranya Rao had initially resisted security checks at the airport and allegedly threatened officers by citing her father's position as Director General of Police (DGP). Her behavior aroused suspicion, prompting DRI officials to monitor her closely.
Further investigations revealed that certain police personnel who allegedly provided her with an escort from the airport are now under investigation.
The actress was apprehended at Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night, with officials seizing 14.8 kg of gold during her arrival on an Emirates flight from Dubai. DRI officers had been tracking her movements due to her frequent visits to Dubai, which eventually led to the bust of the smuggling operation.