Ranya Rao Claims Innocence in Gold Smuggling Allegations

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, asserts her innocence in a gold smuggling case, claiming to be ‘trapped.’ During questioning by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, she expressed distress, revealing ongoing psychological trauma. Contrarily, her statements to DRI confirmed possession of gold bars. The case mirrors previous incidents of blackmail in smuggling efforts. Rao was arrested with gold worth ₹12 crore and remains in custody while investigations proceed.

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor, maintains her innocence amidst allegations of involvement in a gold smuggling operation. During extensive questioning by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), she reportedly stated that she felt ‘trapped’ and broke down, emphasizing her claim of being innocent.

Rao expressed her distress to her legal team, revealing struggles with insomnia and mental trauma, stating, “I keep thinking why did I get into it. My mind keeps going back to the day at the airport. I cannot sleep. I am having mental trauma.” These feelings emerged following her arrest when she was caught with gold bars at the Bengaluru airport.

Interestingly, this assertion of innocence contradicts Rao’s prior admission during the DRI inquiry, where she acknowledged being discovered with 17 gold bars and noted travels to Dubai, Europe, America, and the Middle East. Authorities are urging her to disclose the identity of anyone who may have coerced her into smuggling.

This situation echoes a previous incident in Chennai, where a woman was caught smuggling gold only to reveal that she was a victim of blackmail. Investigators suspect that Ranya Rao might have been similarly pressured by someone close to her.

Rao was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport with gold valued at ₹12 crore hidden beneath her clothing. She has since been placed in DRI custody until March 10, with significant amounts of cash and jewelry also confiscated from her residence. Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of K Ramachandra Rao, a senior IPS officer, who has distanced himself from her actions, as she resides with her husband, Jatin Hukkeri. Meanwhile, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has initiated an inquiry into international drug smuggling, which may be linked to this case.

Ranya Rao’s claims of being wrongfully implicated in a gold smuggling case raise important questions about coercion and blackmail in such illegal activities. Her contradictory statements during interrogation, combined with her distress over the situation, suggest a complex narrative that may need further legal investigation. Authorities are exploring potential connections that may have led to her involvement, emphasizing the necessity for heightened vigilance against exploitation in smuggling operations.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com