Ranya Rao gold smuggling case live: Special court sends the actress to DRI custody for three days

CBI takes over Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case

In the latest development, the CBI has taken over the investigation into Kannada actress Ranya Rao's gold smuggling case. as per CNN-News18. A CBI team has arrived in Bengaluru to work closely with the DRI, intensifying the probe into her alleged involvement in a larger syndicate. This move aims to uncover deeper connections and ensure a thorough investigation.

DRI seeks custody for syndicate investigation

The DRI sought Ranya Rao's custodial interrogation to confront her with forensic evidence from her mobile phone and laptops. The court granted custody, citing the need to investigate her involvement in a gold smuggling syndicate and potential misuse of protocols. This move aims to uncover the extent of her role and connections within the syndicate.

Ranya Rao opens up about mental trauma

Ranya Rao expressed her emotional distress to her advocates, revealing she is undergoing mental trauma following her arrest. She confessed to frequent flashbacks of the day she was caught at the airport, stating she cannot sleep and is consumed by thoughts of why she got involved. Her emotional state has been visibly affecting her, as she spoke through tears as per an Indian Express report.

Court ensures Ranya Rao rights

Ranya Rao, accompanied by two DRI women sleuths, appeared in court, denying any mistreatment. The judge ordered that she not be threatened during custody and provided with basic amenities, including food and healthcare. Her lawyer can meet her daily for 30 minutes in the presence of DRI officials. The court's instructions ensure her rights are protected during the investigation.

Ranya Rao Remanded to DRI Custody Until March 10

A special court for economic offenses in Bengaluru granted actor Ranya Rao's custody to the DRI until 4 pm on March 10. The court instructed her to cooperate with the investigation officer and allowed a daily half-hour meeting with her lawyer. It also directed the DRI to follow Supreme Court guidelines, ensuring she is not threatened and provided basic facilities.

Ranya Rao Breaks Down in Court

Ranya Rao became emotional on the court premises after being remanded to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence custody until March 10 in a gold smuggling case.

Special court sends Ranya Rao to DRI custody for three days

A special court has sent actress Ranya Rao to DRI custody for three days in connection with a gold smuggling case. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested her for alleged involvement in the illegal trade.

Did Ranya Rao face assault in custody? Here's what we know

The circulation of a distressing image showing Kannada actor Ranya Rao with swollen eyes and visible bruises has sparked widespread speculation regarding possible physical assault, either during or after her recent arrest. However, Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Chaudhary has clarified that an inquiry can only proceed if a formal complaint is lodged.

Amid growing concerns over the viral image, Nagalakshmi Chaudhary addressed the situation, stating that while she strongly condemns any instance of physical assault, the commission cannot initiate action in the absence of an official complaint from Rao.

"If 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 is all the commission can do. Since she has not asked or filed a complaint, I cannot comment further," she explained, according to NDTV.

Chaudhary further emphasised the importance of lawful proceedings, "Whoever committed the assault should not have done so—that is for sure. No one should take the law into their own hands. We must allow the investigation to proceed, and the law will take its own course. No one has the right to assault anybody, whether it is a woman or anyone else, and I am totally against that."

Ranya Rao reveals she brought 17 gold bars and travelled to Europe, America, and the Middle East: Report

Kannada actor Ranya Rao has landed in legal trouble after being caught smuggling gold at Bengaluru airport. Following her arrest, she reportedly confessed to revenue officials that she was carrying "17 gold bars," as per NDTV.

A leaked statement has now surfaced, in which she allegedly disclosed details about her trips to various destinations, including the Middle East, Dubai, and several Western countries. "I have travelled to Europe, America, and the Middle East and have visited Dubai and Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest," her statement reportedly reads.

Authorities are currently investigating the case further, examining her past travel records and any possible links to gold smuggling networks.

Ranya Rao claims she was trapped

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, arrested at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, with gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore, has denied involvement, insisting she was "trapped" during questioning, according to India Today. Meanwhile, a special court for economic offences in Bengaluru on Friday, March 7, granted the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) three-day custody of Sandalwood actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly smuggling over 14 kg of gold.

Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: Bengaluru court grants 3-day custody of actress

The special court for economic offences on Friday approved the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's (DRI) request for three days’ custody of actress Ranya Rao, 33. She was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold on her person while traveling from Dubai.

Granting the plea for custodial interrogation, the court acknowledged the DRI’s need to investigate the source and intended destination of the smuggled gold. The agency emphasized that further inquiry was crucial, as the case could have possible links to anti-national activities.

Ranya Rao Breaks Down During Questioning

Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested with gold bars worth Rs 12 crore at Bengaluru airport, broke down during questioning and insisted that she was “trapped” in the smuggling racket, sources revealed. Despite her earlier confession, Ranya now claims innocence, adding a new twist to the high-profile case.

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials interrogated Ranya after she was caught with 17 gold bars strapped to her body using a hidden belt. While she had previously admitted to smuggling the gold, her emotional breakdown and recent denial have raised questions about her role. Investigators are now examining whether she was unknowingly caught in the racket or if she played an active part in the smuggling network.

Ranya, the stepdaughter of a senior police officer, had reportedly traveled extensively to Dubai, Europe, America, and the Middle East. Authorities believe that if she was indeed “trapped,” she must disclose who was behind the operation and how she got involved. The case has sparked widespread speculation, and further investigations will determine the extent of Ranya’s involvement in the multi-crore smuggling operation.

Ranya Rao cites exhaustion after arrest

Kannada actor Ranya Rao has admitted to smuggling 17 gold bars after being arrested at Bengaluru airport on Monday night. The actor, who is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, reportedly confessed to her involvement in gold smuggling in a leaked statement cited by NDTV. She also detailed her international travels, revealing visits to Dubai, Saudi Arabia, Europe, and America.

“I am tired as I did not get enough rest,” Ranya stated, while also disclosing her family background—her father, KS Hegdesh, is a real estate businessman, and her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, is an architect. She assured full cooperation in the investigation while remaining in judicial custody. Ranya also confirmed that she was offered food but declined, saying she was not hungry. The case has stirred significant controversy, putting the actress in the spotlight for all the wrong reasons.

Probe Into Politician’s Alleged Link Intensifies

Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s arrest in a gold smuggling case has sparked controversy, with reports suggesting a politician’s involvement. Karnataka CM’s legal advisor, AS Ponnanna assured that the law will take its course. Preliminary findings indicate the gold was allegedly purchased for a prominent politician, prompting officials to trace payment routes.

Travel to US, Europe & Middle East

Ranya Rao has confessed to smuggling gold during her interrogation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), as per an India Today report. She admitted carrying 17 gold bars and requested privacy in the proceedings. Investigators also discovered that her international trips were not limited to Dubai but included visits to the US, Europe, and the Middle East. Despite her arrest, Rao assured full cooperation with authorities, stating her testimony was given voluntarily.

Why Husband Jatin Hukkeri Is Now Under Police Radar

The gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao has now put her husband, architect Jatin Hukkeri, under scrutiny. Authorities are investigating whether Hukkeri had any role in facilitating the smuggling operation, given his multiple trips to Dubai with Rao. Hukkeri, known for his high-end architectural projects in Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai, married Rao in a grand ceremony a few months ago. With suspicions mounting, investigators are probing his financial links and potential involvement in the case.

Ranya Rao’s First Photo in Custody

The first image of Kannada actor Ranya Rao in custody has emerged after her arrest for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold worth ₹12 crore from Dubai. As she remains under DRI custody, the Economic Offences Court has reserved its decision on her bail plea until Friday. The DRI has sought further custody, citing suspicions over her 27 trips to Dubai this year and possible protocol violations in the smuggling operation.

Will Ranya Rao Get Bail?

The Bengaluru court will hear Ranya Rao’s bail plea today, even as the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seeks an extension of her custody in the gold smuggling case. Reports suggest the actor has confessed during interrogation, with revelations about her frequent international trips adding new twists to the investigation.

How Ranya Rao Smuggled 14.8 Kg Gold

Ranya reportedly used VIP airport channels to bypass routine security checks, raising suspicions about her frequent travel history—she had flown to Dubai 27 times in the last six months. Officials believe she may be linked to a larger gold smuggling syndicate. During questioning, Ranya allegedly claimed she was forced into the operation, though investigators are probing deeper into her connections.

The actress has been remanded to judicial custody until March 18, while the DRI has sought three more days of interrogation starting March 9 to uncover further details. With gold worth ₹12.56 crore seized from her and additional assets bringing the total to ₹17.29 crore, authorities are expanding their investigation into the financial trail behind her activities.

Court Reserves Custody Order for Ranya Rao

The special court for economic offenses has reserved its order on the custody of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. During the hearing of her bail plea on Thursday, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) sought three days of custodial interrogation, citing new developments in the investigation. Officials suspect a larger smuggling syndicate and emphasized the need for a multi-dimensional probe.

The DRI informed the court that protocol violations were detected and key evidence would be submitted in a sealed cover. However, Ranya’s legal team opposed further custody, arguing that continued detention was unjustified. The judge stated that a bail decision would only be considered after the probe’s completion.

Following Ranya’s arrest, the DRI searched her Lavelle Road residence, where she lives with her husband, and seized ₹2.67 crore in cash and gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore. With the total seizure amounting to ₹17.29 crore, investigators are closely examining her frequent foreign trips and possible links to international smuggling networks. The court’s final ruling on her custody is expected later today, as scrutiny over the case intensifies.

Gold smuggling case: Ranya Rao's stepfather DGP Ramachandra Rao distances himself from case; says 'reputation has been tarnished' Senior IPS officer DGP Ramachandra Rao has distanced himself from his stepdaughter, Kannada actress Ranya Rao, following her arrest in a gold smuggling case.

Arrest Triggers ₹17.29 Crore Seizure, Including Cash and Gold Jewelry

Following Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s arrest for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore at Bengaluru airport, authorities have seized additional assets worth ₹17.29 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) recovered cash and gold jewelry from her residence, intensifying the investigation into her financial dealings. Officials are now probing possible links to larger smuggling networks and the source of these assets. With mounting evidence and scrutiny over her frequent foreign trips, the case has taken a significant turn, raising questions about the extent of her involvement in organized gold smuggling operations.

Ranya Rao Visited Dubai 27 Times, Traveled to 45 Countries

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has raised concerns over Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s frequent international travel following her arrest for gold smuggling. Citing passport records, officials revealed that she had visited Dubai 27 times and traveled to over 45 countries. Investigators are questioning the necessity of such frequent trips, as she neither holds a professional job nor has ongoing film projects requiring extensive travel. Authorities suspect a deeper connection to smuggling networks and are probing whether her trips were linked to illegal activities. The case continues to unfold, drawing increased scrutiny over her travel patterns.

DGP Ramachandra Rao on Ranya Rao’s Arrest: ‘Difficult Times for Us'

DGP Ramachandra Rao has expressed deep shock and distress over his stepdaughter Ranya Rao’s alleged involvement in gold smuggling, calling it an extremely difficult time for his family. He clarified that Ranya and her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, have maintained complete independence since their marriage in 2024, with minimal contact. Rao emphasized that he had no involvement in the matter and assured that legal proceedings would follow if any laws were broken. As the investigation unfolds, the high-profile case continues to raise questions about potential connections and the extent of Ranya’s alleged involvement.

DGP Ramachandra Rao Distances Himself from the case

Following Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s arrest for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore, her stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, has publicly distanced himself from the case. Expressing deep distress, he stated that his reputation and family’s future have been unfairly tarnished. He clarified that Ranya had been living separately with her husband, architect Jatin Hukkeri, since their marriage four months ago. Emphasizing his lack of involvement, he urged fairness in judgment while assuring that legal action would follow if any laws were violated. The case continues to draw attention due to its high-profile nature.

Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested for Smuggling 14.2 Kg Gold Worth ₹12.86 Crore at Bengaluru Airport

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.86 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials, acting on prior intelligence, intercepted her upon arrival from Dubai. During a physical check, they discovered 14 gold bars strapped to her thighs using tape and bandages, a method she allegedly used to evade Customs detection.