Today, On 7th March, Actress Ranya Rao remanded to three-day custody by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in connection with a gold smuggling case. The investigation revolves around an alleged smuggling network operating in Bengaluru. Authorities are probing her role in facilitating illegal gold imports. The case has drawn significant attention due to its high-profile nature.
Bengaluru: A Bengaluru court granted the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) custody of Kannada actress Ranya Rao for three days in connection with a gold smuggling case.
The order issued on Friday by the Economic Offenses Court, presided over by Justice Vishwanath C. Gowdar.
Ranya, known for her roles in Kannada films such as Maanikya and Pataki, was detained earlier this week by the DRI at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after returning from Dubai on March 3. Authorities allege that she was carrying 14.8 kilograms of gold intended for smuggling into the country.
On March 4, Ranya presented before a special court for financial offenses and was remanded to judicial custody until March 18. Before her transfer, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru.
During questioning, Ranya reportedly stated that her trip to Dubai was for business, although authorities suggest it was related to the illegal importation of gold.
Following her arrest at Bengaluru International Airport, an image of Ranya with swollen eyes and bruises circulated on social media, prompting speculation about possible assault during or after her arrest.
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Nagalakshmi Chaudhary, Chairperson of the Karnataka State Commission for Women, addressed the viral image in a statement , saying,
“Actually, someone has to file a complaint with us. The Women’s Commission is not an authority to conduct an investigation.”
Chaudhary condemned any acts of violence against Ranya, asserting,
“Whoever has committed the assault should not have done so. That’s for sure. No one should take the law into their own hands. We must allow the investigation, and the law will take its own course. No one has the right to assault anybody, whether it’s a woman or anyone else, but I’m totally against that.”
She further noted that if Ranya files a complaint, the commission would respond accordingly, stating,
“Unless she writes to the commissioner or sends a letter to me asking us to look into the matter, we will write to the concerned authorities to help her, support her, conduct a proper investigation, and submit a report. That’s all the commission can do. Since she has not asked or filed a complaint, I can’t comment further.”
Gold smuggling in India is primarily governed by various legal provisions under different laws. Some key legal provisions include:
1. Customs Act, 1962
- Section 111: Confiscation of improperly imported goods, including smuggled gold.
- Section 113: Confiscation of goods attempted to be improperly exported.
- Section 135: Punishment for smuggling, including imprisonment and fines.
2. Gold Control Act, 1968 (Repealed in 1990)
- Though repealed, its past provisions still influence regulatory measures for gold trade.
3. Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002
- If gold smuggling involves money laundering, offenders can be prosecuted under PMLA.
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