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After Ranya Rao's arrest, CBI to probe international gold smuggling ring

Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: DRI has reportedly alerted the CBI about the possibility of more smuggling networks which illegally get gold into India.

Updated on: Mar 8, 2025, 16:39:01 IST
By HT News Desk
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The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against smugglers bringing gold into India from abroad through various airports

Ranya Rao was caught at the Bengaluru airport with undeclared gold.
Ranya Rao was caught at the Bengaluru airport with undeclared gold.

This comes after the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted and arrested Kannada actor Ranya Rao in an alleged gold smuggling case at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night.

The CBI is working in close coordination with the DRI in this case, with the agency already springing into action and rushing two teams to Bengaluru and Mumbai airports as part of the probe.

CBI’s mandate is to look into the role of public servants including customs, police, and other officers at airports apart from national networks of smugglers who organise the transport of gold from foreign countries with the help of their counterparts, an official told HT.

CBI may even take Ranya Rao in custody at some point later in the probe.

DRI has reportedly alerted the CBI about the possibility of more smuggling networks like Ranya Rao’s case, which are supported by government officials, could be active at major airports.

Ranya Rao has confessed to possessing 17 gold bars, news agency PTI reported citing sources in DRI. Rao, the stepdaughter of DGP K Ramachandra Rao, has been remanded to DRI custody till March 10. Her stepfather currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.

According to DRI officials, gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore were seized from the 34-year-old actress at the airport. Further searches at her residence led to the recovery of gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency totalling ₹2.67 crore.

The total seizure in the case amounted to ₹17.29 crore, including assets worth ₹4.73 crores, dealing a major blow to organised gold smuggling networks.

(With inputs from Neeraj Chauhan)

 
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk

Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.

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