How Actress Ranya Rao Successfully Evaded Airport Security
The Gold Smuggling Racket Involving Actor Ranya Rao
Bengaluru actor Ranya Rao has found herself embroiled in a gold smuggling racket that extends beyond just her. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has revealed that a large syndicate was involved in helping her pass through airports with the illegal gold. The State Protocol Officer, who was part of the smuggling racket, played a crucial role in assisting Ranya Rao in evading airport authorities.
Involvement of State Protocol Officer
The DRI, which is currently investigating the smuggling case, informed the court about the State Protocol Officer’s involvement in escorting Ranya Rao out of the airport on the day of her arrest. The agency stated that she had successfully passed through immigration and the Green Channel with the officer’s help, only to be intercepted just before exiting the airport premises. The DRI also alleged that the department itself may have been involved in facilitating the smuggling operation.
Syndicate Operations and Hawala Channels
The DRI revealed that the gold smuggling racket operated through a syndicate that arranged for huge sums of money to be transferred through hawala channels. The agency emphasized the need to investigate these financial networks to uncover the full extent of the illegal activities. Ranya Rao’s lack of cooperation with the investigation further complicates the matter, leading the DRI to oppose her bail on grounds of national security.
Frequent Foreign Trips and Seized Assets
Ranya Rao’s frequent trips to Dubai, totaling 27 visits in the last six months, raised suspicions and ultimately led to her arrest. The DRI also found that she possessed a Resident Identity Card of the UAE, further linking her to foreign connections. A search of her residence in Bengaluru’s Lavelle Road uncovered gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore, indicating the scale of her involvement in the smuggling racket.
Judicial Proceedings and Bail Decision
Currently in judicial custody until March 24, Ranya Rao awaits a decision on her bail petition. The court is expected to weigh the evidence presented by the DRI and determine the next steps in the legal process. With the investigation ongoing and the involvement of multiple parties in the smuggling operation, the case against Ranya Rao continues to unfold, shedding light on the intricate web of illegal activities that she was allegedly a part of.