DRI Links Actress Ranya Rao and Actor Tarun Raju to Gold Smuggling Ring

Actress Ranya Rao and actor Tarun Raju are implicated in a gold smuggling case by DRI. Rao was arrested with gold upon her return from Dubai, leading to investigations into alleged hawala channels and a larger syndicate. Their frequent travels suggest smuggling intentions, raising concerns about Rao’s possible exploitation of her stepfather’s influence to evade detection.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has implicated Kannada actress Ranya Rao and her Telugu actor associate Tarun Konduru Raju in a gold smuggling case. Officials have established a connection between the two, revealing they traveled together extensively over the past two years. Rao, arrested for possessing 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at ₹12.5 crore upon her return from Dubai, significantly contributed to their movements, undertaking 56 trips to the city since early 2023.

On March 3, Ranya Rao was detained at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, while Raju faced arrest a week later. DRI’s special counsel stated that their return trips on the same day indicated the purpose of these travels was to facilitate gold smuggling. Additionally, detailed investigations are underway to uncover their method of financial transfers through alleged hawala channels from India to Dubai and any links to a broader syndicate.

Authorities confirmed that the duo may have established a gold trading company in Dubai, with inquiries ongoing to ascertain the authenticity of this information. They are also examining transactions related to trips in Europe and the United States to identify connections within a potentially extensive network.

Other agencies, including the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED), have launched their investigations concerning a larger international smuggling syndicate and the involvement of government personnel. Investigators suspect that Ranya Rao leveraged her stepfather’s position, K Ramachandra Rao, to bypass security at the airport. He is the current Director General of Police and has dismissed any involvement in the alleged smuggling ring.

The investigation into Ranya Rao and Tarun Konduru Raju highlights significant concerns regarding gold smuggling operations between India and Dubai. With their extensive travel history and the potential involvement in a broader syndicate, authorities seek to uncover the full extent of the operations and any complicity from government officials. Further inquiries by the DRI, CBI, and ED aim to establish a clearer understanding of their activities and the mechanisms utilized for these illicit transactions.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com