In a dramatic turn of events, Kannada actor Ranya Rao was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport with 14 kilograms of gold concealed on her person.
The gold smuggling attempt came to light on March 4, after Rao, traveling from Dubai via an Emirates flight, was intercepted by Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials acting on a tip-off.
Ranya Rao, while passing through the green channel meant for travelers with nothing to declare, denied carrying any dutiable goods, including gold or other contraband. Despite having no baggage declaration or proof of legal purchase of the gold, the metal detector alerted officials to the presence of metal.
Although initial scans of her hand baggage and trolley revealed nothing, a personal search uncovered gold bars fastened to her waist and calf muscles with crepe bandages, along with gold concealed in her shoes and pockets.
The seizure of 14,213.050 grams of 24-karat gold marked the beginning of similar operations. According to the Customs Act, 1962, the permissible limit for carrying gold is valued at Rs 1 crore, significantly less than what Rao was carrying.
A subsequent search at her Lavelle Road residence unearthed Rs 2.67 crore in cash and over Rs 2 crore in jewelry, for which she could not provide valid documentation.
Further investigations revealed Rao's previous declarations to Dubai Customs in November and December, stating her intent to travel to Geneva with purchased gold.
However, her travel history showed she diverted to India, resulting in a duty evasion charge amounting to Rs 4.83 crore, exceeding the permitted limit of Rs 50 lakhs.
Authorities suspect that Rao's frequent trips to Dubai might be linked to a larger smuggling syndicate.
Her arrest was deemed necessary to prevent further offences and potential tampering of evidence, the DRI arrest memo stated, also noting that Rao has not fully cooperated with the investigation.
Controversy also surrounds claims that Rao was tortured in custody; however, the arrest memo clarified that existing injury marks under her eyes were from a previous incident.
This clarification comes amidst a Karnataka government-ordered Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the smuggling case. Additionally, the state has initiated a separate inquiry into the involvement, if any, of Rao's step-father, senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao.
The CID has been tasked with investigating possible lapses within the police department and any potential collusion. The unfolding case promises further revelations as investigations continue into the sophisticated network allegedly linked to Rao's activities.