Karnataka Congress MLAs Demand Comprehensive Investigation into Gold Smuggling Incident Involving Kannada Actress
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Synopsis
The arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, the daughter of a senior IPS officer, on gold smuggling charges has elicited significant political responses in Karnataka. Several Congress MLAs have raised concerns and called for a thorough investigation into the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Ranya Rao arrested for gold smuggling.
- Congress MLAs demand a detailed investigation.
- Authorities seized Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold.
- Political reactions highlight the need for equality before the law.
- Investigation into possible police involvement ongoing.
Bengaluru, March 5 (NationPress) The detention of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, daughter of esteemed IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, on accusations of gold smuggling has ignited a wave of political responses within Karnataka. Numerous Congress MLAs have voiced their apprehensions regarding the matter, emphasizing the necessity for a detailed inquiry.
Ranya Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night while allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold. Following her arrest, she was placed in judicial custody.
A.S. Ponnanna, the Legal Advisor to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and an MLA, remarked in Bengaluru on Wednesday, "The fact that the accused is the DGP’s daughter is incidental. Now, she is an accused in a smuggling case, and the law will take its course. It does not matter whether she is the daughter of a common man, a DGP, or even the Prime Minister. The law applies equally to all."
H.D. Ranganath, another Congress MLA, shared his concerns, stating, "We have been hearing a lot about gold smuggling. Surprisingly, affluent families are involved in such activities. Coming from a well-to-do background and engaging in such illegal activities is unfortunate."
Ranganath further proposed that financial motives such as black money transactions and tax evasion could be involved. "Our police officers should be commended for their vigilance. They have handled the case well, sending a strong message to those involved in such acts," he added.
Bengaluru Congress MLA Rizwan Arshad also emphasized the necessity for a serious probe. "This cannot be taken lightly. A thorough investigation is necessary to understand how this happened, irrespective of whose daughter she is. The law must be applied equally to everyone," he asserted.
In the wake of Ranya Rao’s arrest, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Wednesday conducted a raid at her upscale Lavelle Road residence in Bengaluru. Authorities confiscated Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from the apartment, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in monthly rent.
As per investigators, the 32-year-old actress was detained on Monday night upon her arrival on an Emirates flight from Dubai. Acting on intelligence, a team of four DRI officers intercepted her at the airport. Reports suggest she had made four trips to Dubai within 15 days, raising suspicion.
Ranya Rao allegedly concealed gold bars in her belt and clothing and reportedly used her father’s position to evade detection. Officials revealed that upon landing, she would call police personnel to pick her up, who would then escort her home.
Authorities are now investigating whether police personnel or any IPS officer linked to her were complicit in the smuggling racket or if she acted independently. Investigators are also scrutinizing whether she had trafficked gold on previous occasions.
After her arrest, she was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru for questioning before being presented in court, where she was remanded to judicial custody.
Ranya Rao, known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in ‘Maanikya’, has also appeared in other South Indian films. Her father, DGP Ramachandra Rao (Director General of Police, Police Housing Corporation), has distanced himself from the case, stating that he has had no contact with her since her marriage four months ago.
