Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case Widens As CBI Team Takes Over, Investigation Underway

The investigation into Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case has widened as the CBI has taken the lead. According to media sources, a team from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) landed in Bengaluru and Mumbai on Saturday to launch a nationwide investigation.

The Kannada actress was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru on Monday night following she was found in possession of 14.8 kg of gold.

CBI Steps Into Probe Against Ranya Rao

A week following the Kannada actor’s arrest, the investigation in the gold smuggling case has widened. A team from the central investigation authority landed in Bengaluru and Mumbai for further questioning. According to the media sources, the probe will now be set up at a national level.

The CBI intervention comes following the actress has confessed to her crimes. In a recent interrogation, Ranya admitted carrying 17 gold bars on her recent return to India from Dubai. The Kannada actress mentioned that she has travelled to 40 countries, including Europe, America and the Middle East when officials asked her about the international trip. It was her frequent international visits that tipped off the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and led to her arrest.

Ranya Rao sent to 3-day custody

On Friday, the Economic Offences Court in its order, sent the Kannada actor to DRI custody for 3 days custody in connection to the gold smuggling case, while further investigation is underway. The order was issued by the Economic Offenses Court presided over by Justice Vishwanath C. Gowdar.

During the introduction, Ranya said that she was born and brought up in Bengaluru and is the daughter of businessman K.S. Hegdesh. She completed her schooling and is an actress in the film industry. Additionally, she is a wildlife photographer and works in real estate in Dubai.

The actress also shared that she is married to Jatin Hukkeri and their residence is on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru. For the unversed, Ramachandra Rao, the Director-General of Police of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, is her stepfather.