Is Ranya Rao's Gold Smuggling Case Taking a New Turn?
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Synopsis
In a dramatic twist, the ED has provisionally attached properties worth Rs 34.12 crore linked to jailed actress Ranya Rao in a gold smuggling case. The investigation intensifies as her mother challenges the legality of Rao's detention. Stay tuned for more updates on this unfolding scandal.
Key Takeaways
- The ED has attached Rs 34.12 crore in assets linked to Ranya Rao.
- Ranya Rao's mother is contesting her detention legally.
- 14.8 kg of gold was seized from Ranya Rao at the airport.
- The case involves connections to Karnataka's political figures.
- Public figures are under scrutiny in criminal investigations.
Bengaluru, July 4 (NationPress) - The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached assets valued at Rs 34.12 crore, associated with imprisoned actress Ranya Rao and others, in a high-profile gold smuggling case.
The ED announced on its official social media platform X on Friday: "The ED, Headquarter Office, New Delhi, has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 34.12 crore under the provisions of the PMLA, 2002 in a case concerning transnational gold smuggling and money laundering involving Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, and her accomplices."
The confiscated assets include properties located in Bengaluru and Tumkur districts of Karnataka, as reported by the ED.
In a related development, the Karnataka High Court heard a plea from Ranya Rao's mother, challenging the legality of her daughter's detention under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (COFEPOSA).
The petitioner's counsel argued that the order has not yet been validated by the advisory board, with the hearing set for July 23.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Ranya Rao after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her at the Bengaluru International Airport.
The agency also confiscated Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from her upscale Lavelle Road apartment, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in rent.
K. Ramachandra Rao, DGP for the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, expressed his devastation regarding the arrest of his stepdaughter, actress Ranya Rao, and has since been placed on compulsory leave.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids on educational institutions connected to Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara in Tumakuru as part of this investigation.
Sources indicate that financial transactions linked to Ranya Rao have been traced to one of the institutions associated with Parameshwara.
Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar commented on the ED's raids, asserting that while Parameshwara may have given money to Ranya Rao, he never instructed her to use it for gold smuggling.
Point of View
This case raises significant concerns about the intersection of celebrity culture and criminal activity. As the investigation unfolds, it highlights the importance of accountability, especially for public figures. The actions of the ED and the response from political leaders will be closely scrutinized, making it a pivotal moment in understanding the broader implications of such high-profile cases.
NationPress
04/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the value of the assets attached by the ED?
The assets provisionally attached by the ED are valued at Rs 34.12 crore.
Who is Ranya Rao?
Ranya Rao is a jailed actress linked to a significant gold smuggling case.
What legal challenge is Ranya Rao's mother pursuing?
Ranya Rao's mother is seeking to declare her daughter's detention under COFEPOSA as illegal.
What was seized from Ranya Rao?
The DRI seized 14.8 kg of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from Ranya Rao during the investigation.
What involvement does Karnataka's Home Minister have in this case?
The ED has conducted raids on educational institutions linked to Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara as part of the investigation.
