Court Deliberates on Bail Request from Actress Ranya Rao in Gold Smuggling Case, DRI Seeks Custody
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Synopsis
A Bengaluru court has postponed the decision on Kannada actress Ranya Rao's bail in a gold smuggling case, while the DRI seeks her custody for further investigation into a suspected smuggling syndicate.
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru court delays bail decision on Ranya Rao.
- DRI requests custody to investigate national security implications.
- Ranya Rao claims she was blackmailed into gold transportation.
- Significant gold and cash seized from her possession.
- Investigation suggests involvement of a larger smuggling syndicate.
Bengaluru, March 6 (NationPress) - A Bengaluru court has postponed its ruling on the bail petition filed by Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was detained in connection with a gold smuggling investigation, until Friday. Meanwhile, the legal representative for the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has requested a three-day custody period for the actress.
The Economic Offences court made this decision after reviewing both sides' arguments regarding the case. The DRI's counsel asserted that the actress's involvement raises significant concerns related to national security and is crucial for dismantling the gold smuggling network.
Currently, Ranya Rao is in judicial custody and has submitted a bail application.
The DRI indicated that her custody is essential from March 9 to March 11 to facilitate a comprehensive investigation, given the suspected participation of a large smuggling syndicate. The prosecution argued that bail should not be granted in sensitive matters like this.
Furthermore, the DRI's attorney emphasized that some details of the investigation cannot be revealed publicly, and findings would be submitted to the court in a sealed envelope to avoid jeopardizing the inquiry.
They also noted the need to trace the intended destination of the seized gold. The DRI alleges that Ranya Rao was utilized as a courier, and her custody is vital to unraveling the roles of other individuals implicated.
The DRI has reportedly made notable advancements in the investigation since the actress's arrest on Monday night, with the law permitting custody of accused individuals for up to 40 days. The attorney referenced a Supreme Court ruling in support of this claim.
Conversely, the defense counsel for Ranya Rao argued against the necessity of her custody.
Sources disclosed that Ranya Rao has claimed she was coerced and blackmailed into transporting the gold and that this was her first involvement in such activities.
However, it was reported that she had been under surveillance for an extended period due to her suspicious frequent trips to Dubai.
The DRI apprehended Ranya Rao after they recovered 14.8 kg of gold at the Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night. Additionally, the agency uncovered gold valued at ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash from her luxurious flat on Lavelle Road, where she allegedly paid ₹4.5 lakh in rent.
