Gold Smuggling / How did actress Ranya Rao save herself at the airport, who leaked the information?

Gold Smuggling: Former Kannada film industry actress Ranya Rao is in the headlines these days. She has been arrested for smuggling more than 14 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. The matter became more serious when the investigating agencies seized gold jewelery worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash worth Rs 2.67 crore from her house.

Who is Ranya Rao?

Ranya Rao has been a Kannada actress and model who made her acting debut in 2014 with the film Manikya. However, her film journey did not last long and in 2017 she said goodbye to the film world. After this, she became active in the real estate sector.

Father is a DGP rank officer

Ranya hails from Chikmagalur, Karnataka. After the death of her father, her mother married DGP rank officer Ramachandra Rao, making him Ranya's stepfather. His influential family ties have made the matter even more complicated.

How did she come under suspicion?

Ranya had visited Dubai 28 times in the last one year. When she travelled to Dubai 4 times in 15 days, the DRI became suspicious. After this, she was kept under surveillance and on the fifth time she was caught smuggling gold.

Misuse of airport protocol

Ranya was given special protocol at the airport due to being the step daughter of the DGP. Every time she returned from Dubai, a constable from the airport police station would take her out without checking. After this matter came to light, the government has ordered an inquiry into the misuse of this protocol.

Did the father have any role?

Ramachandra Rao shrugged off the matter and said that he was not in contact with Ranya. But the investigating agencies are also investigating whether he had instructed to give special protocol at the airport.

Who was the informer?

According to sources, someone close to Ranya informed the DRI about Ranya's activities. Investigation revealed that there was tension in her relationship with her husband Jatin Hukkeri and businessman Tarun Raju. It is suspected that Tarun leaked information about her gold smuggling.

Arrest of Tarun Raju

The DRI has arrested Tarun Raju, who is the son of a hotelier. He is believed to have brought Ranya into gold smuggling. He had designed special jackets and belts for gold smuggling.

Political connections and land scam

Ranya had called two ministers of the Karnataka government before her arrest. Her company was allotted 12 acres of land from KIADB during the BJP government in 2023. The CBI is also investigating this land allotment.

Why gold smuggling from Dubai?

Gold is available in Dubai for Rs 25-30 lakh per kg cheaper than in India. Huge profits are made after bringing it through smuggling and adulterating it.

What will happen next?

Currently, Ranya is lodged in Bengaluru Central Jail and her bail plea is being heard. The CBI and DRI are investigating the case thoroughly and more big revelations may come out in the coming days.