Ranya Rao arrest: DRI expands probe to trace smuggling syndicate; seeks actor’s custody

Bengaluru: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has expanded the probe to identify the larger syndicate behind actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested for smuggling gold into the country, sources said on Thursday.

Well-placed sources said that Ranya, 33, was reportedly paid anywhere between Rs 1 to Rs 4 lakh per kg of smuggled gold per trip. Investigations revealed that the actor had strapped 14 gold bars to her thighs when she was arrested.

The gold bars, sources said, weighed around 1 kg and were stuck using adhesive tape and crepe bandages. Trousers were worn over them to conceal them, they said, adding that the modus operandi showed Ranya had done the same at least a few times previously.

The DRI suspects that Ranya is a mule and that a larger syndicate is behind her. The Central DRI team, which made the arrest, is also probing Ranya’s local network and how she disposed of the smuggled gold.

Ranya also allegedly misused her DGP father K Ramachandra Rao's perks by using a police staff from the airport police station to escort her out soon after she landed, and purportedly used VIP channels to exit the terminal to minimise frisking and checks.

“Generally, based on threat perception or if the senior officer is in a high-risk role or posted in a sensitive area, the security and escort are extended to his family,” a senior police officer in Karnataka said. "Extending escorts to families of officers for non-official purposes are frowned upon as they give an impression of VIP culture."

The DRI has also sought a three-day custody of Ranya.

Ranya, who is currently in judicial custody, moved the Economic Offences Court on Thursday seeking bail. At the same time, the DRI objected and sought her custody for further interrogation as they “recovered evidence following her arrest”.

DRI also cited "national security" when seeking the custody and informed the court that it could not publicly reveal certain "sensitive information" that would "jeopardise the probe" but would provide "key evidence" in a sealed cover.

The court has reserved the order for Friday and will decide whether to grant Ranya bail or give her custody to the DRI.

Speaking to ANI, DGP K Ramachandra Rao said that Ranya didn’t visit his house after she married Jatin Hukkeri four months ago.

"Ranya was married to Jatin Hukkeri four months ago. Post-marriage, she never visited our house. We are completely unaware of her and her husband Jatin's business affairs,” he said.