The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) informed a Karnataka court that the protocol officer who facilitated Kannada actor Ranya Rao in bypassing airport security checks while smuggling gold worth Rs 12.56 crore had received direct instructions from senior officials. The court, which was hearing Ranya’s bail petition, has reserved its order for March 14.
VIP Airport Protocols Misused for Gold Smuggling
Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, was arrested earlier this month at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport with gold bars strapped to her body using a hidden waist belt. The DRI alleged that she misused VIP airport protocols, which are meant for high-ranking officials, to avoid customs inspections.
Investigators claimed that a state protocol officer was instructed to pick up Ranya’s luggage at immigration and facilitate her fast-track clearance, allowing her to skip frisking at security checkpoints after landing.
Court Hearing: DRI Opposes Bail, Cites Serious Offense
During the court proceedings, Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Madhu Rao revealed that the protocol officer admitted to helping Ranya under direct orders from higher authorities. He further stated that Ranya exited the airport via the Green Channel instead of the Red Channel, indicating a clear attempt to evade customs duty.
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The DRI has invoked Section 135(1)(a) and (b) of the Customs Act, which classifies customs duty evasion exceeding ₹50 lakh as a cognizable and non-bailable offense. The agency also emphasized that Ranya could flee the country or influence witnesses if granted bail.
Gold Hidden in Clothes and Smuggled via Hawala Network
Investigations revealed that the actor had concealed gold bars in her jeans, waist, shoes, and even taped them to her thighs using a medical bandage. The DRI further alleged that she operated through hawala channels to smuggle gold.
Meanwhile, the Karnataka government has launched a separate probe to determine if Ranya’s stepfather, IPS officer and current DGP K Ramachandra Rao, had any involvement in the case.
Defense Argues Procedural Violations in Arrest
On behalf of Ranya Rao, senior advocate Kiran Javali argued that the DRI failed to provide the “grounds of arrest”, violating legal procedures. “We are not debating whether Ranya is guilty or not, but procedural violations by investigators warrant bail,” Javali told the court.
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As the legal battle intensifies, all eyes are now on March 14, when the court will announce its decision on Ranya Rao’s bail plea.
