Synopsis
On March 14, 2023, the Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru declined the bail application of actress Ranya Rao, linked to a significant gold smuggling investigation with international ties, raising national security concerns.Key Takeaways
- Bengaluru Special Court denies bail to Ranya Rao.
- Case linked to gold smuggling with international connections.
- DRI highlights national security concerns.
- Investigation includes the role of a protocol officer.
- State government has initiated a probe into DGP's involvement.
Bengaluru, March 14 (NationPress) The Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru on Friday denied the bail request of imprisoned actress Ranya Rao related to the gold smuggling investigation. Ranya Rao happens to be the stepdaughter of esteemed IPS officer DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, and the case has garnered significant media attention.
Judge Vishwanath C Goudar issued the ruling following submissions from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). In the meantime, the legal representative for the second accused, Tarun Raju, submitted a bail application, prompting the DRI to present its objections.
This decision was made in light of the gravity of the situation. The DRI previously indicated that the gold smuggling case associated with Ranya Rao has international and hawala connections, elevating it to a matter of national security.
Senior counsel Madhu Rao, representing the DRI, opposed Ranya Rao’s bail plea during a court session on Wednesday, asserting the need for an investigation into the role of a smuggling syndicate.
He underscored that there are concerns regarding national security and ongoing inquiries into suspected hawala operations.
"When we assess the criminal intent in this matter, jail is the most suitable location for her. The court should not grant bail solely based on her gender," Rao contended.
He further noted that the case involves international implications, with smuggling facilitated by a protocol police officer.
"It is critical to investigate how the funds were transferred and how the finances were organized to acquire the confiscated gold," he stated.
The counsel also highlighted that Ranya Rao holds an identity card identifying her as a resident of Dubai, which raises the likelihood of her absconding.
"There is no legitimate basis to grant her bail, especially given that she has smuggled gold valued at Rs 12.56 crore. Furthermore, Rs 2.67 crore in cash and Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold have already been confiscated. Following a search of her residence on March 4, her arrest proceeded according to due legal process in alignment with Supreme Court protocols," he argued.
The DRI, Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), and Enforcement Directorate (ED) are investigating the smuggling syndicate and its international ties. Authorities are also looking into potential lapses by the police and the collaboration of officials within the customs and Karnataka Police.
The state government has tasked Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta with investigating the involvement of DGP Ramachandra Rao and has requested a report within a week. The state government's decision to retract the CID's investigation has raised eyebrows.
In response to the unfolding situation, Tamil Nadu BJP chief and former IPS officer from Karnataka, K. Annamalai remarked in Bengaluru on Friday, "Let the investigation conclude. At least the officials have made arrests in this matter. Allegations of significant figures and the misuse of VVIP protocol have emerged. The investigation must be completed. I find it perplexing why the state government initially ordered a CID investigation only to later retract it."
