The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into the sensational gold smuggling case involving Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who is also the stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao. On Thursday, 13th March ED officials conducted raids at eight locations in Bengaluru and other places in connection with the case.
Simultaneously, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) carried out searches at nine locations across Bengaluru, targeting properties linked to Ranya Rao’s husband, Jatin Vijaykumar Hukkeri. On Tuesday, Jatin secured an interim order from the High Court restraining the DRI from arresting him. Investigations revealed that Ranya Rao had booked round-trip tickets from Bengaluru to Dubai using Jatin’s credit card, raising suspicions about his involvement.
The case has stirred political controversy, especially after the Karnataka government withdrew the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe within 24 hours of ordering it. Home Minister G. Parameshwara defended the decision, stating that the Chief Minister had assigned the investigation to the Department of Personnel and Administrative Reforms (DPAR) since DGP K. Ramachandra Rao is an IPS officer. He emphasized that two parallel investigations were unnecessary.
However, senior BJP MLA S.R. Vishwanath alleged that the withdrawal of the CID probe indicated the government’s fear of exposing influential individuals. He asserted that investigations by central agencies such as the CBI and ED would continue to uncover the truth.
Sources confirmed that the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR in the case based on a complaint from the DRI. The DRI’s investigation has revealed shocking details, with Ranya Rao claiming she received anonymous calls instructing her to smuggle gold. She reportedly learned concealment techniques through YouTube videos and was directed to collect gold from a man at Dubai Airport’s Terminal 3.
Upon arrival at Bengaluru International Airport, Ranya Rao was caught smuggling gold hidden in her jeans, shoes, and strapped to her thighs with bandages. She stated she was supposed to deliver the gold to an unknown person waiting in an auto-rickshaw outside the airport. However, DRI officials believe she is withholding crucial information, as she could have sought help from her stepfather or the police if she had been coerced.
