Ranya Rao Remanded in Gold Smuggling Case: A Legal Overview

Actor Ranya Rao has been remanded until March 10 in a gold smuggling case, involving 14.2 kg of gold bars estimated at Rs 14.5 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is probing her connections to a smuggling network. Subsequent searches revealed additional valuables, prompting discussions on policy changes regarding smuggling protocols in Karnataka.

Actor Ranya Rao, daughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, has been remanded to custody until March 10 in connection with a gold smuggling case. The 33-year-old was apprehended for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold bars, valued at around Rs 14.5 crore, at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is investigating the gold’s origins and intended destination, citing potential threats to national security.

The special court for economic offenses instructed that Ms. Rao must cooperate with the DRI and allowed her access to her lawyer for half an hour daily. Additionally, it commanded that the DRI ensure her well-being according to Supreme Court mandates. Following the court’s decision, Ms. Rao was visibly distressed.

Her suspicious activities had come to light after her fourth trip to Dubai in 15 days. Upon her arrest, she confessed to carrying 17 gold bars and revealed extensive travels to various countries over the past year, including 27 trips to Dubai. The actor, known for her debut role in the film ‘Maanikya’, reportedly earned significant commissions for aiding in gold smuggling.

The seizure marks one of the largest at the airport recently. Following a search of her residence, authorities discovered gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. This has prompted discussions regarding the potential ramifications of her case on state protocols.

In light of claims that Ms. Rao exploited protocol policies for smuggling, Karnataka’s Home Minister G Parameshwara announced the government’s intent to revise existing protocols. Ranya Rao identified her father as KS Hegdesh, a real estate businessman, and noted her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, has expressed dismay over her arrest, denying any link to the alleged smuggling activities.

Ranya Rao’s custodial interrogation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence highlights serious allegations of gold smuggling, raising concerns over national security. The investigation is ongoing, and the legal implications may impact regulatory policies regarding smuggling protocols. Ms. Rao’s distress in court underscores the weight of her situation, as authorities continue to unravel the network behind these illicit activities.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com