BENGALURU: Karnataka DGP (Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, whose daughter Ranya Rao was arrested for gold smuggling, emphasised that there has been ‘no blemish on his career’.
Expressing shock over the arrest, he said, “Like any other father, I was devastated when it came to my notice through the media. I was not aware of any of these things. She is living separately with her husband; there may be some problems between them due to family issues.”
Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling gold. Investigations into the racket took a new turn on Wednesday as officials focused on a jewellery boutique in the city’s central business district.
Ranya was intercepted at KIA on Monday night after arriving from Dubai with 14.2kg gold bars hidden in a belt strapped to her body.
Subsequent searches at her Lavelle Road apartment led to the recovery of Rs 2.1 crore worth of designer gold ornaments and Rs 2.7 crore in cash. With this, the total seizure from her and her residence stands at Rs 17.3 crore.
Calling it one of the largest gold seizures from an air passenger in recent times, the DRI stated that they are still investigating the intended recipients of the smuggled gold.
Sources revealed that the jewellery found at her residence was allegedly procured from a designer store on Lavelle Road and purchased at the behest of a prominent politician. Officials are now probing the payment trail.
Ranya has been booked under the Customs Act, 1962. Authorities are also set to question her husband and other family members in connection with the case.
