BENGALURU: The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) Tuesday said Sandalwood actor and senior IPS officer’s daughter Ranya Rao, had arranged money through a hawala channel to purchase good.
Ranya was caught red-handed at Kempegowda International Airport, smuggling in 14.2 kg gold from Dubai on March 3.
Opposing bail to Ranya, public prosecutor Madhu Rao argued the probe was underway and it would not be prudent for her to walk free at this juncture.
Ranya’s bail was earlier rejected by the special court for economic offences on March 14 and, following this, another petition was filed before the sessions court, which reserved its order to Thursday.
While seeking bail, Ranya’s counsel had alleged DRI had not followed guidelines, while arresting her. Countering her, public prosecutor said, “The DRI acted in accordance with section 102 of the Customs Act. After the arrest, the accused (Ranya Rao) did not cooperate with the investigating agency. She used the hawala route to arrange money to purchase gold. Accompanied by the second accused in the case (Tarun Konduru Raju), she floated a firm called Veera Diamonds in Bengaluru. We have gathered sufficient evidence against both the accused. We have 60 days to file the chargesheet against the accused persons, and we strongly object to the bail during this period.”
Ranya’s advocate maintained that waiting for filing of chargesheet would be time-consuming as investigating agencies, such as customs have six months to file it and the same can be extended by another six months.
Key highlights:
- The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) reported that Ranya Rao, daughter of a senior IPS officer and Sandalwood actor, arranged money through a hawala channel to purchase gold.
- Ranya was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, caught smuggling 14.2 kg of gold from Dubai.
- Public prosecutor Madhu Rao opposed Ranya’s bail, arguing that the ongoing investigation made it unwise for her to be released at this stage.
- Ranya’s bail was previously denied by the special court for economic offences, and a subsequent petition was filed, with the sessions court reserving its decision for Thursday.
