Actress Ranya Confirms Freelance Realtor Role in Dubai; Admits to Smuggling 17 Gold Bars
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Synopsis
Kannada actress Ranya Rao has confessed to smuggling 17 gold bars while claiming to be a freelance realtor in Dubai. Her statement to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) reveals details of her arrest and the legal implications she faces.
Key Takeaways
- Ranya Rao admitted to smuggling 17 gold bars.
- She claims to work as a freelancer in Dubai's real estate.
- Her statement was recorded under the Customs Act.
- She requested the proceedings remain private.
- Ranya is currently in judicial custody.
Bengaluru, March 8 (NationPress) Kannada actress Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, revealed in her statement to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on the day of her arrest that she operates as a freelancer in the real estate sector in Dubai and admitted to being involved in the smuggling of 17 bars of gold, sources disclosed on Saturday.
Her statement notably omits any reference to her stepfather, who is a high-ranking IPS officer in Karnataka.
Ranya Rao further requested the DRI officials to maintain confidentiality regarding the incident and asked to postpone the statement process to the following day due to her need for rest.
The statement was recorded by a senior Intelligence officer at the Kempe Gowda International Airport in Bengaluru on March 4, under Section 108 of the Customs Act, 1962.
The document bears the signatures of M. Chokkalingam, SIO DRO, Senior Intelligence Officers Neha Kumari, and Nageshwara Rao Kadiri.
Although the document does not explicitly state the term gold smuggling, it clearly indicates the recovery of 17 gold bars from her possession.
In response to inquiries about her recent travels abroad, Ranya Rao stated, “I have journeyed to Europe, America, and the Middle East, including Dubai and Saudi Arabia. I feel fatigued and would prefer to continue the statement proceedings in the morning after some rest.”
She mentioned, “I have appeared today on March 4 in reply to the summons regarding the seizure of gold from my possession. You have explained to me the issues surrounding the seizure and the provisions of Section 108 of the Customs Act, 1962, which I have read.”
“I acknowledge that the proceedings under this Act are akin to judicial proceedings and I am obligated to tell the truth. I also understand that should my statement contain any misleading or false information, I may face prosecution under Section 229 and Section 267 of BNS,” Ranya Rao articulated.
“I realize that this statement is valid evidence in any legal or quasi-legal proceedings against me or any other party. I can read, write, and speak English as well as Kannada. With this understanding, I provide my true statement,” she affirmed.
Regarding her background, Ranya Rao shared, “I was born and raised in Bengaluru, the daughter of a businessman in the real estate industry. I have completed up to the 12th grade and have worked as an artist in the film and theatre sectors. I am also a wildlife photographer and freelancer in Dubai’s real estate market. I am married to Jatin Hukkeri, an architect, and reside with him.”
“I have reviewed the mahazar document prepared at the Bengaluru airport and concur with its contents. I affirm that I was present during the mahazar proceedings and acknowledge that 17 gold bars were found in my possession. I request that these proceedings remain as private as possible,” Ranya Rao stated regarding the confiscated gold.
When asked by the DRI if she had anything more to add, she replied, “I have no further statements. I reaffirm my willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation and will appear as summoned. During the statement recording, no religious sentiments were offended. I have been offered food and beverages, but I declined as I am not hungry and opted for water instead.”
“This statement is given voluntarily without any coercion or inducement and reflects my clear state of mind,” she asserted.
A Bengaluru court has recently ordered the DRI to take custody of Ranya Rao following her arrest in a gold smuggling case.
The Economic Offences Court has set aside her bail petition for the time being. Currently, Ranya Rao remains in judicial custody.
The DRI apprehended Ranya Rao after discovering 14.8 kg of gold at the Bengaluru International Airport on Monday night. The agency also confiscated approximately 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.
Responding to the news of his stepdaughter's arrest, Karnataka DGP for the State Police Housing Corporation, K. Ramachandra Rao, expressed that he is devastated and shocked by these developments.
Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of DGP Ramachandra Rao, being the first daughter of his second wife.
