Ranya Rao accuses DRI of torture, coercion in smuggling case
What's the story
Kannada actress Ranya Rao has leveled serious charges against the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), accusing it of custodial torture and wrongfully implicating her in a high-profile gold smuggling case.
In a letter to the Additional Director General (ADG) of the DRI, she denied official reports that her arrest was made at Kempegowda International Airport. Instead, she claims it was made from the aircraft itself.
Details
Allegations of torture and coercion
Rao's letter from Parappana Agrahara Central Prison describes her alleged ill-treatment, stating she was beaten up, starved, deprived of sleep, and forced to sign blank papers under duress.
Although her allegations were made public after a Bengaluru special court refused to grant her bail, the letter was written earlier.
The case has political implications too, with the Karnataka government initially ordering a probe into possible lapses by law enforcement agencies, although this order was later withdrawn.
Court ruling
Court denies bail amid serious allegations
Bengaluru's Special Court for Economic Offenses rejected Rao's bail plea, saying the alleged crime has serious implications for the country's economy.
The court noted preliminary findings indicating she had taped gold bars to her body and kept them inside her jeans pockets, and in her shoes.
The DRI estimates customs duties and penalties worth ₹4.83cr have been evaded under the Customs Act.
Ongoing probes
Investigations continue into gold smuggling case
The ED has launched a money laundering probe related to the gold smuggling case.
After Rao's arrest, her house was raided and authorities recovered gold worth ₹2.06 crore and cash of ₹2.67 crore.
At the same time, DRI raided nine places in Bengaluru targeting properties belonging to Rao's husband Jatin Vijaykumar Hukkeri.
Three agencies are currently investigating the case: DRI, CBI, and ED.
Personal ties
Ranya Rao's relationship with senior IPS officer
Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of K Ramachandra Rao, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer and the current Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited.
Despite his daughter's legal issues, he has refuted any involvement in her alleged illegal dealings.
Meanwhile, the actor filed a bail application in the Sessions Court today.