BENGALURU: A city-based special court handling financial crimes on Friday ordered three days of custody for Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport with 14.2kg of gold on Monday night. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) took her into custody for further questioning.
Ranya, the daughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, currently serving as the director general of Karnataka Police Housing Corporation, was allegedly smuggling 17 gold bars while arriving from Dubai. In a signed statement reviewed by TOI, she admitted, “I was raised in Bengaluru and completed my schooling till Class 12. I work as an artist in cinema and theatre, pursue wildlife photography, and freelance in Dubai’s real estate sector.”
She confirmed her marital status, stating she resides on Lavelle Road with her husband, architect Jatin Hukkeri. Acknowledging the seizure, Ranya stated, “I accept that 17 gold bars were found in my possession and have signed the mahazar document dated March 3.”
Special court judge Vishwanatha C Gowdar instructed DRI officials to ensure Ranya’s well-being during custody. He permitted her lawyer, Girish, to consult with her daily for 30 minutes under official supervision. The investigation team, led by officer Nageshwar Rao and senior intelligence officer Neha Kumari, has been directed to present her before the court by 4:30 pm on Monday.
Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested in Gold Smuggling Case
Auto Driver Caught Smuggling MDMA in Mangaluru
#GoldSmuggling #DRIInvestigation #BengaluruAirport #KannadaActress