Karnataka: DRI Detains Second Suspect in Gold Smuggling Case
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Synopsis
The DRI has arrested a second suspect in the gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao, who is currently in judicial custody. The investigation reveals significant connections to influential figures and extensive smuggling activities.
Key Takeaways
- Second arrest made in gold smuggling case.
- Actress Ranya Rao remanded to custody.
- DRI investigating connections to influential individuals.
- Substantial amounts of gold and cash seized.
- Ongoing probe into police protocol misuse.
Bengaluru, March 10 (NationPress) The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has apprehended a second suspect in the gold smuggling case linked to actress Ranya Rao, while the Special Court has placed her under judicial custody until March 24.
Ranya Rao was held by the DRI for three days and was presented in court following the conclusion of her custody.
Emotional turmoil struck Ranya Rao during the session in the Economic Offences court, leading to her transfer to Bengaluru Central Prison as per court directives.
The actress has expressed feelings of trauma and distress. The DRI's legal representative informed the court that all interrogation sessions were recorded on video.
In a parallel development, the DRI also detained Tarun Raju, the son of a hotel magnate, in connection with the gold smuggling allegations.
Tarun Raju was presented before the Economic Offences Court and has been remanded to DRI custody for five days.
Initial investigations indicate that Tarun Raju has been friends with Ranya Rao for a long time and has frequently traveled to Dubai alongside her.
Sources suggest that Tarun Raju facilitated the smuggling of gold from Ranya Rao into India.
The DRI has reported that an estimated Rs 12.56 crore worth of gold has been smuggled, and Ranya Rao is considered a key figure in this smuggling operation, according to sources.
The DRI is currently analyzing mobile data to uncover the involvement of influential individuals and to investigate potential misuse of police protocols by Ranya Rao.
Reports indicate that the DRI has found contacts of both current and former ministers on her phone, along with high-ranking officials. The agency is collecting call detail records (CDRs).
Additionally, the DRI has seized a laptop belonging to Ranya Rao and is in the process of retrieving data from it, as per reports.
The matter was raised during the Legislative Session by the BJP, who have claimed that two ministers may be implicated.
Home Minister G. Parameshwara stated that there is no link between the state police and the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case. He assured that if any police involvement exists, the CBI, which is investigating the case, will uncover it.
The DRI detained Ranya Rao after confiscating 14.8 kg of gold from her at Bengaluru International Airport last Monday night.
The agency also seized Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her luxurious Lavelle Road apartment, where she reportedly pays Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.
Karnataka DGP for State Police Housing Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao, expressed his shock and devastation regarding the arrest of his stepdaughter, actress Ranya Rao, on Thursday.
