Kannada actress Ranya Rao, currently in the custody of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), has been undergoing intense questioning in connection with a gold smuggling case. According to sources, Ranya revealed that this was her first time smuggling gold from Dubai, and she had learned the techniques of hiding gold by watching YouTube videos. Moreover, she disclosed that she received calls from unknown numbers, instructing her to collect gold from Dubai Airport’s Terminal 3, Gate A, and deliver it to Bengaluru.
Ranya was arrested at Bengaluru Airport on March 3 with 14.2 kilograms of gold hidden in her jacket, thighs, and waist. Following her arrest, she was remanded to 14 days of DRI custody. The actress, who is the step-daughter of Karnataka DGP Ramachandra Rao, claimed that she had received calls from foreign numbers over the past two weeks, with the most recent call coming on March 1. The caller allegedly directed her to proceed to the designated gate at Dubai Airport, where she would receive further instructions on collecting and delivering the gold.
Interrogation reveals Ranya’s shocking claims
Ranya further stated that she had never engaged in gold smuggling before and had not purchased or smuggled gold from Dubai previously. Her actions, however, paint a different picture, as DRI officials found 2.7 crores in cash and jewelry worth 2.1 crores during a raid at her residence. The DRI has also revealed that Ranya had traveled to Dubai 27 times in the past year, with reports suggesting that she received one lakh rupees for smuggling one kilogram of gold. In the past 15 days alone, she made four trips to Dubai, which eventually led to her being placed under the radar of security agencies.
Ranya’s alleged modus operandi
It appears that Ranya had a well-planned strategy for smuggling gold, using her jacket, thighs, and waist to conceal the precious metal. The fact that she claimed to have learned these techniques from YouTube videos raises questions about the ease of access to such information and the potential for others to engage in similar activities. As the investigation unfolds, it will be interesting to see how Ranya’s case sheds light on the organized gold smuggling networks that may be operating in the country.
The case of Ranya Rao serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against gold smuggling and the creative ways in which perpetrators attempt to evade detection. As the law enforcement agencies continue to crack down on such activities, it is essential to address the root causes of gold smuggling and work towards creating a more transparent and regulated market for precious metals. Only time will tell how Ranya’s case plays out, but one thing is certain – the entertainment industry will be watching closely, eager to learn more about the events that led to her downfall.
