Ranya Rao Asserts Innocence in Gold Smuggling Allegations, Claims She Was ‘Trapped’

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, claims innocence amidst gold smuggling allegations. She was apprehended with gold bars worth ₹12 crore and asserted she was ‘trapped.’ Her past admissions and current emotional state contrast with her claims. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding her involvement, suspecting external coercion.

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, has publicly asserted her innocence amid allegations of involvement in a gold smuggling operation. During her interrogation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), she became emotional, repeatedly claiming that she was “trapped” rather than an active participant in the smuggling scheme. Reports indicate that Rao broke down while asserting her innocence, expressing confusion about her situation and stating, “I keep thinking why did I get into it… I cannot sleep. I am having mental trauma.”

Rao’s assertions are at odds with her previous admission to the DRI, where she acknowledged being apprehended with 17 gold bars. Furthermore, her prior travels to various international locations, including Dubai, Europe, America, and the Middle East, have come under scrutiny. The authorities are demanding that Rao identify how she became involved in smuggling if her claims of being trapped are accurate.

This incident draws parallels to a similar case in Chennai, where a spouse was coerced into gold smuggling. Investigators suspect that someone close to Rao may have influenced her decision to engage in this illicit activity.

Ranya Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport with gold bars totaling ₹12 crore concealed under a hidden belt. She has been placed in DRI custody until March 10, during which time authorities have also seized significant amounts of cash and jewelry from her residence. Rao is connected to K. Ramachandra Rao, a senior IPS officer, who has publicly distanced himself from her situation, indicating he is unaware of her recent activities since she resides with her husband, Jatin Hukkeri. Concurrently, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated inquiries into related international drug trafficking activities.

The case involving Ranya Rao highlights the complexities surrounding allegations of gold smuggling, including personal claims of coercion and emotional distress. Despite her assertions of innocence and feeling trapped, the evidence, including her previous admissions, raises significant questions. Authorities continue their investigations, seeking to uncover the full circumstances of her involvement and any possible external influences.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com