The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport after she found out that in possession of 14.8 kg gold, as officially stated to PTI on Tuesday. The actress is famous for her role in Maanikya (2014) opposite superstar Sudeep, was stopped upon her arrival from Dubai.
After she got arrested on Monday night, she was presented before a special court handling the financial crimes, which remanded her 14 days in judicial custody. Prior to her court appearance, she was sent for medical check up at Bowring Hospital as part of legal protocols.
Rao visited Dubai four times in 15 days
According to officials, Rao had been under surveillance because of her international travel. As per report, she has reported to Dubai four times within 15 days. This is the reason enforcement agencies have raised suspicion on her. As a result, a planned operation was connected to her upon her return, resulting in her arrest around 7 PM at Bengaluru Airport.
Officials probing her networks
Investigators disclosed to PTI that she allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing a major portion of it as jewellery whereas hiding gold bars within her clothing. Reports indicate that she may have tried to use her networks to avoid customs checks. After landing, she reportedly claimed to be the daughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police and asked for police protection to escort her.
Officials are now probing whether any law enforcement officers, including her IPS relative were familiar with her activities or were deceived into supporting her. After getting arrested, Rao was taken to the DRI headquarters in Beangaluru’s HBR Layout for further questioning.
Authorities are currently investigating whether she was working individually or was connected to a larger smuggling network between Dubai and India. As the investigation unravels, more details are likely to be revealed in this high profile case.
(With inputs from PTI)