<p>The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which is investigating the gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao, suspects that she has strong connections in Dubai who facilitated the smuggling operation. According to the agency, the gold bars were smuggled into the airport and handed over to her before she concealed them on her body. </p> <p>As per News18, the DRI stated that Rao wrapped the gold bars around her inner thighs, shins, and waist while inside the Dubai airport, using tape and crepe bandages to secure them. Officials suspect that she was not merely a carrier but had a deeper role in the smuggling network. </p> <p>Ranya Rao allegedly travelled to Dubai 27 times this year, DRI stated, causing serious suspicions regarding her involvement in smuggling activities, as per India Today.</p> <p>The agency further alleged that upon her arrival at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport, a state protocol officer assisted in fast-tracking her immigration and luggage clearance. This arrangement reportedly allowed her to bypass frisking and metal detector checks unless security personnel raised suspicions. </p> <p>"It's a clear case of protocol being misused," News18 quoted DRI sources as saying. </p> <p>The report further stated that the agency has recorded three statements from the actress, which allegedly contained incriminating details. The DRI noted that Rao has not denied most of the charges and that others were also involved, requiring further questioning. </p> <p>According to News18, officials have recovered Rao’s mobile phone and laptop, but they remain locked. The agency also noted that the actress had bruise marks on her face. </p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a title="" href="https://ift.tt/W4FfUQA" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-toggle="tooltip" data-html="true" data-original-title="Story ID: 1755476">Ranya Rao, Kannada Actor & DGP's Daughter, Held At Bengaluru Airport With 14.8 Kg Of Gold In Belt</a></strong></p> <h3><strong>Bengaluru Court Reserves Bail Order In Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case</strong></h3> <p>Meanwhile, news agency IANS reported that a Bengaluru court has reserved its order on her bail petition until Friday. The Economic Offences Court made the decision after hearing arguments and counterarguments from both sides. </p> <p>As per IANS, the DRI, opposing her bail plea, has sought three days' custody of the actress, stating that her interrogation is crucial to uncover national security implications and dismantle the smuggling syndicate. The agency informed the court that her custody was necessary from 9 March to 11 March for a multi-pronged probe. </p> <p>The DRI also argued that bail should not be granted in such sensitive cases. It stated that certain aspects of the case could not be disclosed in open court and that findings would be submitted in a sealed cover to avoid jeopardising the investigation. Officials are also probing the intended destination of the smuggled gold, asserting that Rao was used as a delivery agent. </p> <p>The prosecution, as reported by IANS, pointed out that the investigation has made significant progress since Rao’s arrest on Monday night and cited a Supreme Court ruling that allows custody of accused persons in such cases for up to 40 days. </p> <h3>Ranya Rao Claimed First Bid At Gold Smuggling Due To Blackmail, Officials Cite Frequent Dubai Trips: Report</h3> <p>On the other hand, Rao’s counsel opposed the request for her custody. According to IANS, sources revealed that during the investigation, Rao claimed she was blackmailed and forced into smuggling, insisting that this was her first such involvement. However, officials countered that she had been under surveillance for a long period due to her frequent trips to Dubai. </p> <p><strong>ALSO READ | <a title="" href="https://ift.tt/QyMRB63" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-toggle="tooltip" data-html="true" data-original-title="Story ID: 1755535" aria-describedby="tooltip626975">Who is Ranya Rao? The Kannada Actress Arrested For Smuggling 14.8 kg Gold</a></strong></p> <h3><strong>'Shocked And Devastated': Karnataka DGP On Stepdaughter's Arrest</strong></h3> <p>Ranya Rao’s stepfather Karnataka DGP for State Police Housing Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao on Thursday expressed that he was devastated and caught unaware by her arrest. According to IANS sources, she is the first daughter of his second wife.</p> <p>The Karnataka cop's remarks come as it is alleged that Ranya Rao misused the position of her stepfather to avoid security checks and was also given the police escort from the airport to her residence.</p> <p>DGP Ramachandra Rao remarked, “I was shocked and devastated when the incident came to my notice through the media. I was unaware of my daughter’s involvement in alleged smuggling activities. No words can truly express the depth of my shock, pain, and devastation following the turn of events. I have always upheld my integrity. I request fairness from the public and media.”</p> <p>He also emphasised that Ranya Rao had been living separately with her husband, Jatin Hukkeri after their marriage in 2024. “Ranya Rao had stopped visiting us and we were not allowed to visit her. There was a clear and definitive separation between us and them. If there is any violation from Ranya, the law will take its own course. I do not have any black mark in my entire career,” he stressed, as quoted by IANS.</p> <p>The DRI apprehended Rao at Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her possession. A subsequent raid at her upscale Lavelle Road residence led to the seizure of gold worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash. The actress was reportedly paying a monthly rent of ₹4.5 lakh for the apartment. </p>
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