ED joins Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, conducts raids in Bengaluru

The Enforcement Directorate has become involved in the investigation concerning the gold smuggling case linked to Kannada actor Ranya Rao. At present, raids are happening in Bengaluru concerning the case.

The ED is an investigative agency responsible for probing money laundering crimes and breaches of foreign exchange regulations.

This follows the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence’s arrest of Ranya Rao with approximately 14 kg of gold at Bengaluru Airport, which also requested assistance from the CBI for the case investigation, as reported.

An FIR has been lodged by the CBI in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case based on the complaint of Abhishek Chandra Gupta, Additional Director of DRI, the report stated. Gupta’s complaint underscores the potential existence of a smuggling network possibly functioning from Dubai, as two foreign individuals were detained with 21.28 kg of gold at Mumbai Airport on March 6, subsequent to Rao’s arrest on March 3, according to  report.

Rao was detained on March 3 at Bengaluru Airport upon her arrival from Dubai with over 14 kg of gold valued in crores. Gold biscuits were discovered secured to her body. During the inquiry, Rao stated that it was her initial attempt to smuggle gold.

Rao mentioned that she received instructions from unidentified callers to fetch the gold from Dubai and take it to Bengaluru, according to a report. During the investigation, Rao, who is the stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K Ramachandra Rao, also disclosed that she acquired knowledge about hiding gold by watching YouTube videos.

The Karnataka government instructed the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Monday to participate in the Ranya Rao gold smuggling investigation. CID was instructed to investigate potential negligence and failure to perform duties by police personnel at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru.