- Kannada actor Ranya Rao was arrested for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold from Dubai, worth ₹12.56 crore.
- She alleges custodial torture, including being slapped and forced to sign blank papers.
- Authorities are investigating her frequent Dubai trips and call records from international numbers.
Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s arrest at Kempegowda International Airport has sparked controversy, with her claiming she was falsely implicated and tortured in custody. She alleges she was slapped multiple times and denied food while being forced to sign documents.
Investigators discovered that Ranya had made 52 trips to Dubai in 2023, with most visits being single-day trips. Additionally, she allegedly learned smuggling techniques from YouTube videos.
Twists and Turns in Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Case: Investigation Continues
Ranya Rao’s arrest has led to shocking revelations, with officials stating that she had been under surveillance after a prior altercation with Customs officials. They claim she repeatedly evaded security checks by citing her stepfather’s position as a senior police officer. This behavior led to heightened scrutiny, culminating in her March 3 arrest.
Further complicating the case, Ranya admitted to receiving gold from a six-foot-tall man before her flight and purchasing items like a baggage tag and crepe bandages to conceal the gold. Investigators believe this points to a well-planned smuggling attempt, though Ranya insists it was her first time and that she was manipulated into carrying the gold.
Authorities are also investigating the person directing Ranya’s actions via phone calls. She stated she was told to drop off the gold in an autorickshaw but did not know who was behind the operation. Officials suspect international smugglers may have been involved, with possible connections to organized crime networks operating between Dubai and India.
Ranya’s legal team is fighting for her bail, arguing that she was unfairly targeted and mistreated during interrogation. However, the court has denied her bail, citing the possibility of evidence tampering and her extensive travel history as reasons to keep her in judicial custody. As the investigation deepens, the case continues to raise serious questions about international smuggling routes and law enforcement procedures.
The Ranya Rao gold smuggling case has become a tangled web of allegations, surveillance, and legal battles. Whether she was a victim or an active participant, her case sheds light on the complexities of gold smuggling operations and law enforcement tactics.
“The truth is rarely pure and never simple.” – Oscar Wilde
