In a significant development in the ongoing gold smuggling investigation, authorities have detained Tarun Raju after uncovering his alleged role in the illicit operation. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) presented him before the Special Economic Offences Court in Bengaluru, which granted the agency five days of custody for further interrogation.
Investigators Link Tarun Raju and Ranya Rao
According to sources, Tarun Raju and Ranya Rao were close associates and collaborated in smuggling gold from foreign countries. Although their friendship reportedly weakened after Ranya married architect Jatin Hukkeri, officials believe they continued their illegal activities. Investigators revealed that Ranya had contacted Tarun while transporting gold from Dubai, a crucial link that led to his arrest.
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Two days ago, while Ranya was already in custody, the DRI detained and interrogated Tarun Raju. At one point, both suspects were confronted together as officials attempted to uncover the full extent of their involvement in the smuggling network.
Ranya Rao’s Partial Confession and Extensive Travel History
Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao, has made a partial confession, admitting that authorities recovered 17 gold bars from her possession. She also disclosed details of her extensive international travel history.
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Sources reveal that Ranya traveled to Dubai nearly 30 times in the past year, including four trips within just 15 days. Officials suspect that she smuggled gold on each occasion. Her statement further requested that the investigation be kept private, assuring full cooperation with authorities.
DRI Seizes Gold and Cash from Ranya Rao’s Residence
The ongoing investigation led to searches at Ranya’s residence, where officials seized gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore. These findings have further strengthened the case against her.
Allegations of Verbal Abuse and Legal Disputes
During a court hearing on Monday, Ranya Rao accused DRI officials of verbally abusing her whenever she refused to answer questions. However, the investigating officer (IO) countered the claim, stating that she was not subjected to any form of harassment.
“She refuses to answer any questions during interrogation. Every time we ask, she remains silent. We have recorded the entire investigation,” the officer stated.
The IO further alleged that Ranya did not respond even when presented with evidence and was specifically questioned about her involvement. “Her lawyers instructed her on what to say as soon as she entered court,” the officer claimed. These revelations prompted the judge to question Ranya’s legal team regarding their role in influencing her statements.
Ranya’s Claims of Mental Harassment and Coercion
Ranya, speaking in a trembling voice, claimed to have suffered mental harassment. “They didn’t hit me, but they verbally abused me badly. This has caused me severe mental distress,” she told the judge when asked whether she was provided medical treatment or subjected to coercion.
The judge, however, questioned why she did not inform her lawyer earlier. “You were given 30 minutes to speak with your lawyer. Why didn’t you inform them? Why didn’t they file a petition regarding this?” the judge asked.
Additionally, Ranya alleged that she was forced to sign documents against her will. “I have fully cooperated with the investigation. I refused to sign only on the third date, but after that, I cooperated with the investigation,” she stated.
“I have responded to the interrogation, but they still pressured me to sign everything,” she told the judge, breaking into tears. She further questioned the authorities’ actions, saying, “Why are they mapping my house? What is the need for that?”
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Proceedings
With Tarun Raju now in custody and Ranya Rao’s confession shedding light on crucial aspects of the smuggling network, the DRI is expected to intensify its probe. The authorities are determined to uncover the full extent of the gold smuggling operation and its potential international links.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing case.
