Actor Ranya Rao Confesses to Possession of Gold Bars in Smuggling Case

Kannada actor Ranya Rao admitted to possessing 17 gold bars during her arrest for smuggling at Bengaluru airport. She revealed details of her extensive international travels and family background. Despite her situation, she expressed a willingness to cooperate with investigators and affirmed that her statement was voluntary. Her arrest involved a significant gold seizure estimated at Rs 14.56 crore, with her stepfather denying involvement in her actions.

Kannada actor Ranya Rao, linked to a senior IPS officer arrested for gold smuggling, has confessed to the possession of “17 gold bars” in her statement to the revenue officials following her arrest. The document obtained by NDTV also contains details of her international travels, which include countries in the Middle East, Dubai, and various Western nations.

In her statement, Ms. Rao expressed her fatigue from extensive travels, citing visits to Europe, America, and the Middle East, including 27 trips to Dubai over the past year. Additionally, she disclosed her family background, identifying her father as KS Hegdesh, a real estate businessman, and her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, an architect residing in Bengaluru. Her stepfather is Ramachandra Rao, the Director-General of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.

Notably, Ms. Rao, who debuted in the 2014 film Maanikya alongside Kichcha Sudeep, stated her willingness to cooperate with the ongoing investigation as she remains in judicial custody until her next court hearing. She emphasized that her statement was given willingly, without coercion, while also mentioning that she declined food offered during her detention as she was not hungry.

Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, accompanied by gold bars weighing 14 kg valued at Rs 14.56 crore, marking one of the largest gold seizures in recent history. Her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, publicly denied any involvement in her alleged crimes, expressing shock and devastation regarding the situation.

Ranya Rao’s confession regarding her possession of gold bars has raised significant concerns, particularly given her familial ties to a senior police official. She has expressed intentions to cooperate fully with authorities while maintaining her right to a fair trial. The implications of this case extend beyond personal ramifications, touching upon broader concerns related to gold smuggling activities.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com