Ranya Rao's Bail Hearing in Gold Smuggling Case Postponed to April 17
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Synopsis
The Karnataka High Court has adjourned the bail hearing of Kannada actress Ranya Rao until April 17, amidst ongoing investigations into her involvement in a significant gold smuggling case. The DRI has been directed to file objections regarding the matter.
Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru actress Ranya Rao's bail plea adjourned.
- Hearing rescheduled to April 17.
- DRI to present objections in court.
- Rao detained for gold smuggling charges.
- Judicial custody extended for other accused.
Bengaluru, April 9 (NationPress) The Karnataka High Court has postponed the hearing on the bail application of Kannada actress Ranya Rao until April 17. The court has also instructed the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to submit their objections regarding this case.
Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, was apprehended on accusations of gold smuggling at the Bengaluru airport.
A special court in Bengaluru has placed the actress under judicial custody until April 21, and she is currently being held at the central prison located on the outskirts of the city.
The Special Court for Economic Offences has also prolonged the judicial custody of two other suspects, Tarun Raju and jeweller Sahil Sakaria Jain, until April 21.
Ranya Rao was taken into custody on March 3 for reportedly smuggling 14.2 kilograms of gold, worth over Rs 12.56 crore.
This case is under investigation by the DRI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED), and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
The state government has assembled a special team led by a senior IAS officer to examine the involvement of DGP Ramachandra Rao. Sources indicate that a report on this matter has already been submitted to the government.
The DRI's investigation into the gold smuggling case has uncovered that Ranya Rao was engaged in hawala transactions in conspiracy with Jain, the third accused.
The DRI, in its remand application to the Special Court for Economic Offences regarding Jain's arrest in the gold smuggling case, accused both the jeweller and Ranya Rao of being part of a hawala network.
Investigations have revealed that with Jain's assistance, Ranya Rao was able to dispose of 49.6 kg of gold and transfer Rs 38.4 crore of hawala funds to Dubai.
The DRI noted, "Investigations have shown that Jain, originally from Ballari and now based in Bengaluru, facilitated and supported Ranya Rao in disposing of 49.6 kilograms of gold valued at approximately Rs 40 crore and transferring hawala funds amounting to Rs 38.4 crore to Dubai."
