Ranya Rao gold smuggling case: 'State police protocol officer used to bypass security'

NEW DELHI: The

Directorate of Revenue Intelligence

(DRI) on Friday informed a special court that the Karnataka police protocol ffficer was involved in a

gold smuggling racket

linked to actress Ranya Rao. Opposing her bail plea, the central agency told the Special Court for Economic Offences that Rao had traveled to Dubai 27 times since January this year.
Ranya is the stepdaughter of K Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-rank officer serving as the managing director of Karnataka state police housing and infrastructure development corporation.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) is India's top anti-smuggling agency operating under the Central Board of Indirect Taxes & Customs, which falls under the ministry of finance. Its role includes identifying and preventing smuggling activities involving contraband, drug trafficking, illegal trade in wildlife and environmentally sensitive goods, as well as tackling commercial fraud and Customs duty evasion in international trade.
The court denied bail to Ranya on Friday after hearing DRI’s arguments. The agency said that investigations had uncovered a methodical approach to smuggling gold. "The investigation till date has unearthed the sophisticated methodology used in smuggling the gold, usage of State Police Protocol Officer to bypass security, Hawala Transaction to transfer the funds from India to Dubai to purchase gold, involvement of larger syndicate," the DRI said.

Judge Vishwanath C Gowdar, who presided over the case, took these claims into account while passing the order.
"In the case on hand, the accused No 1 (Ranya) possessing Resident Identity Card of UAE and having history of traveled to Dubai on 27 occasions since January 2025, is another factor which does not incline the court to extend discretionary relief of granting bail to accused," the court said.
Ranya was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport after

gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore

were found in her possession. Following this, authorities searched her residence and recovered gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
The DRI further informed the court that the investigation was ongoing to establish international connections. It also mentioned that Ranya had not cooperated during custody.
"It is also specifically contended that the alleged offence is cognizable, non-bailable, and punishable with imprisonment up to seven years," the court observed.
The agency said the offence had serious implications for the country’s economy and security.
According to the court, "The remand applications placed on record at this stage of proceedings, disclose the conspiracy hatched by the accused No1 (Ranya) by colluding with State Police Protocol Officer."
It also noted, "The arguments of the complainant Agency as to the usage of Hawala transaction for transfer of money from India to Dubai and also the International links being forthcoming as per the preliminary investigation is also a factor which inclines this court to hold the accused."
The judge said that Ranya had the capacity to manipulate evidence and witnesses, which could affect the trial.
"The apprehension of the complainant as to the accused No.1 will throttle the witnesses and flee away from the process of court cannot be ruled out at this juncture," the court observed.
The court noted that the allegations against her were evident at this stage, and her method of concealing gold in the form of bars while traveling showed her intent.
Apart from DRI, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are also looking into the case.
Meanwhile, on March 10, the Karnataka government appointed additional chief secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate the role, if any, of Ramachandra Rao in the smuggling case involving his stepdaughter.
(With inputs from agencies)