'Who is aiding Ranya Rao? Is it smuggling syndicate?' DRI claims she is 'national security threat'

The Economic Offences Court will on Friday deliver its verdict on the bail plea moved by Sandalwood actor Ranya Rao, who was remanded to judicial custody after being arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with an alleged gold smuggling racket at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on Monday night.

The DRI has sought three-day custody of Ranya citing a ‘threat to national security.’

Ranya, the daughter of DGP (Karnataka Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, was intercepted by DRI officials upon her arrival from Dubai, carrying 14.8 kg of gold. Further searches at her Lavelle Road residence led to the seizure of Rs 2.1 crore worth of gold ornaments and Rs 2.7 crore in cash. She was subsequently remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.

On Thursday, Ranya's lawyers filed a bail application, arguing that she had been produced before a judge’s residence on Tuesday night without DRI seeking her custody. The defense emphasized that she is a Bengaluru resident and will be available for investigation, making custodial interrogation unnecessary.

However, the DRI strongly opposed the bail plea, asserting that her custody is essential to uncover key details about the gold smuggling operation. Officials highlighted the need to investigate:

* The source of the gold bars

* The mode of payment

* How she managed to smuggle the gold?

* Her intended purpose for the gold in India

Citing passport records and travel data, the DRI pointed out that Ranya Rao had traveled to Dubai 27 times and visited over 45 countries. Investigators questioned the frequency of her international trips, stating: "She is neither a working professional nor does she have multiple film assignments that warrant frequent travel to foreign countries."

The DRI also suspects a larger smuggling network behind Ranya's activities and is looking into potential accomplices.

"There are many unanswered questions: Who is helping Ranya? Is it a smuggling syndicate? This is an issue of threat to national security, and a deep interrogation of the accused is needed. Therefore, we seek her custody for three days from March 9," the public prosecutor argued before the court.

DGP Rao: 'We Are Unaware of Their Business Affairs'

Meanwhile, Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation DGP Ramachandra Rao has stated that he was completely unaware of her business activities or those of her husband, Jatin Hukkeri.

Speaking to ANI, DGP Rao expressed deep disappointment over the discovery of 14 kg of smuggled gold in Ranya Rao’s possession at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

"It was a huge disappointment for me to find that 14 kg of smuggled gold was recovered from my stepdaughter at the Kempegowda International Airport," he said.

Clarifying his relationship with Ranya, DGP Rao emphasized that she had not visited his house since her marriage to Jatin Hukkeri four months ago.

"Ranya was married to Jatin Hukkeri four months ago. Post marriage, she never visited our house. We are completely unaware of her and her husband Jatin's business affairs," he stated.

Meanwhile, Jatin Hukkeri’s office has declined to release any statement or comment regarding the allegations against his wife.