According to the DRI, Ranya Rao managed to pass through immigration and the Green Channel with assistance from the State Protocol Office
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has told a court that actor Ranya Rao’s alleged gold smuggling operation was part of a larger syndicate and involved the State Protocol Officer, who helped her bypass airport security.
The 33-year-old actor was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport with 14 kg of gold. The DRI, opposing her bail plea, stated that she was escorted through airport procedures by the State Protocol Officer and was intercepted just before she could exit the premises.
According to the DRI, Ranya Rao managed to pass through immigration and the Green Channel with assistance from the State Protocol Office. “She had no intention of declaring what she was carrying,” the DRI counsel told the court.
The agency has summoned the State Protocol Officer for questioning and recorded his statement. Investigators believe that a well-organised syndicate was operating behind the smuggling racket, with large sums of money being transferred through hawala channels. “We have to investigate the hawala channel. This is a matter of national security,” the DRI said, arguing against her bail.
Frequent Foreign Travel Raises Suspicion
The investigation revealed that Ranya Rao had travelled to Dubai 27 times in the last six months and also visited the United States frequently. Officials confirmed that she holds a UAE Resident Identity Card, further raising concerns about her international connections.
Following her arrest, a search of her Bengaluru residence on Lavelle Road led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.
Judicial Custody & Bail Hearing
Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of Indian Police Service officer Ramachandra Rao, is currently in judicial custody, which is set to end on March 24. The court is expected to decide on her bail plea tomorrow.
Authorities are continuing their probe into the wider smuggling network and financial transactions linked to the case.
