Kannada actress Ranya Rao denies gold smuggling involvement, claims she was 'set up'

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of a senior police officer imprisoned for gold smuggling, has denied any involvement in the illegal operation, claiming she was "set up" during her interrogation, according to witnesses.

She was apprehended with gold bars valued at ₹12 crore hidden in a concealed belt around her body.

However, in her official statement to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Ranya admitted to the crime, adding a new dimension to the ongoing investigation.

After acknowledging the crime in her formal statement, this latest revelation has provided a new angle to the case.

She also confirmed in her statement that 17 gold bars were found in her possession and that she had visited Dubai, as well as Europe, America, and the Middle East.

The actor's conflicting statements have prompted investigators to question whether she was unintentionally involved in the smuggling racket or if she played an active role in it.

If Rao was "trapped," authorities have urged her to disclose who was responsible and how she became involved.

Sources have pointed out that this situation bears similarities to an incident in Chennai last year, where the wife of a software worker from Kerala was arrested for smuggling 12 kg of gold from Dubai.

Further investigations revealed that an associate involved in gold smuggling had blackmailed her.

The fact that Rao was found involved in smuggling, despite her privileged background, has baffled authorities.

Her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, is also a high-ranking employee at an IT company in the UK.

Similar to the Chennai case, authorities suspect that Ranya may have been deceived by someone within her inner circle.

As part of the investigation, the DRI has confiscated Rao's laptop and mobile phone to examine her communication history.

Authorities have compiled a list of individuals who had frequent contact with her and are currently investigating any potential connections to the gold smuggling network.

Additionally, investigators are collaborating with officials in Chennai to compare information from the 2024 smuggling case.

Officials have emphasized that Ranya's questioning is crucial to identifying the masterminds behind the racket, as financial transactions are linked to hawala networks and smugglers operating in Dubai.

Authorities have intensified the search for the key figures behind the gold smuggling operation.

The DRI is also meticulously examining Rao's bank records and financial transactions from the past two years.

In addition to monitoring the primary suspects, officials are investigating whether Rao acquired any undeclared assets connected to the smuggling network.

Earlier, Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold valued at ₹12.86 crore.

Acting on prior intelligence, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials intercepted her upon her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight.

A thorough physical examination revealed 14 gold bars strapped to her thighs with tape and bandages, an apparent attempt to evade Customs checks.

Although initial reports speculated the gold was hidden in her jacket, the DRI confirmed it was cleverly concealed on her body.