The prime accused in a high-profile gold smuggling case alleges verbal threats during interrogation, while DRI asserts she is uncooperative.
March 11, 2025: BENGALURU: The courtroom was tense as Ranya Rao, the prime accused in a high-profile gold smuggling case, appeared before the special court (economic offences). The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had taken her into custody for three days, questioning her involvement in an international smuggling syndicate.
Also Read: Kannada Actress Ranya Rao in DRI Custody Over Gold Smuggling Case
🔍 Ranya Rao’s Allegations
Breaking down in tears before the judge, Ranya claimed she was verbally threatened during the interrogation but denied any physical mistreatment.
“I was verbally threatened and traumatized. They (DRI) warned me about consequences if I didn’t comply,” she stated in court.
However, DRI officials refuted her allegations, asserting that the interrogation was video-recorded and focused on her travel history and possible links to organized smuggling networks.
Also Read: Actress Ranya Rao Sent To 3-Day DRI Custody In Bengaluru Gold Smuggling Scandal
🚨 DRI’s Response: ‘She is Stonewalling Questions’
One of the DRI officers dismissed Ranya’s accusations, stating:
“She is trying to frame routine questioning as harassment. We have video evidence of every moment of the interrogation. We questioned her based on her frequent foreign trips and documented travel history, yet she refuses to cooperate.”
According to DRI sources, Ranya has been avoiding critical questions, including:
✅ How the gold bars were sourced
✅ Which syndicate she worked for
✅ Whether influential figures were supporting her
⚖️ Judge Orders Video Review
Listening to both sides, Judge Vishwanath C Gowdar assured that the court would examine the interrogation footage to determine if there was any coercion involved.
“The court will never decide based on one-sided claims. We will hear both sides and review the interrogation videos. If we find evidence of forced statements, we will take action,” the judge declared.
🔎 Next Steps
While Ranya maintains that she has been cooperating, DRI officials insist she is deliberately withholding information. With the court set to analyze the interrogation recordings, the case now hinges on whether Ranya’s claims hold ground or if the DRI can substantiate its stance.
The gold smuggling investigation continues, with potential links to organized crime and influential figures under scrutiny.
🏷 Tags:
Ranya Rao, Gold Smuggling Case, DRI Investigation, Bengaluru Court, Economic Offences, Gold Smuggling Syndicate, Organized Crime, DRI Interrogation, High-Profile Smuggling Cases, India Crime