Ranya Rao Claims Innocence, Alleges Coercion in Gold Smuggling Case

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, claims innocence in a gold smuggling case, insisting she was ‘trapped’. She became emotional during questioning by the DRI. Rao had previously admitted to carrying 17 gold bars and is now in custody. Authorities are investigating her circumstances, drawing parallels to other smuggling cases involving coercion.

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, maintains her innocence in a gold smuggling case, asserting that she was misled and ‘trapped’. During questioning by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Rao was visibly emotional, emphasizing that she did not participate in any smuggling operations.

Rao expressed distress to her lawyers, stating, “I keep thinking why did I get into it. My mind keeps going back to the day at the airport. I cannot sleep. I am having mental trauma.” These claims follow her earlier admission to the DRI about being caught with 17 gold bars and traveling to various countries.

The DRI is seeking clarification from Rao regarding who influenced her involvement in this smuggling case. The situation bears resemblance to a prior incident in Chennai where a woman was coerced into smuggling gold due to blackmail from an acquaintance. Authorities suspect that a similar situation may have coerced Rao into her actions.

Ranya Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while concealing gold bars valued at ₹12 crore. She is currently in DRI custody until March 10, with additional cash and jewellery worth crores seized from her residence. It is noteworthy that Rao is the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, who has distanced himself from her and claims to have no knowledge of her recent activities.

Ranya Rao’s claims of innocence and being trapped in the gold smuggling case indicate ongoing investigations and personal distress. As authorities continue to investigate her possible coercion into the smuggling activity, parallels are being drawn with similar past incidents. Rao remains in custody as the case develops, and her ties to prominent individuals complicate the narrative surrounding her involvement.

Original Source: www.hindustantimes.com