Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai into India, was presented before the Special Court for Economic Offences in Bengaluru on Monday. During the hearing, Ranya broke down in tears and accused officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) of verbally abusing her and subjecting her to psychological pressure during the interrogation process. She claimed that every time she refused to answer their questions, they resorted to intimidation tactics.
Ranya, visibly shaken, told the judge, “If I don’t respond, they threaten me, saying, ‘You know what will happen if you don’t speak.’ They didn’t physically harm me, but the verbal abuse was relentless. I am suffering from immense mental distress.” She also alleged that officials forced her to sign documents against her will and took her to unknown locations to coerce her into compliance.
The DRI, however, dismissed her claims, stating that Ranya had remained silent throughout the investigation, refusing to answer any of their questions even when confronted with concrete evidence. “She has been completely uncooperative. Every time we present proof, she refuses to respond. Her lawyers have clearly instructed her on what to say in court,” the investigating officer (IO) stated.
The judge, Justice Vishwanath C Gowdar, questioned Ranya’s legal team regarding their role in allegedly influencing her statements. “You were given 30 minutes to consult with your lawyer. If you were indeed threatened or mistreated, why didn’t your lawyer file a formal complaint? Why was no petition submitted earlier regarding this matter?” the judge asked.
In response to Ranya’s claims, the Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) categorically denied any wrongdoing on the part of the DRI. “Being questioned about a crime does not amount to torture. The entire investigation has been recorded, and if necessary, CCTV footage can be examined. There has been no mistreatment,” the SPP argued.
Despite her emotional plea, the court ruled that Ranya would remain in judicial custody for 14 days, with her next court appearance scheduled for March 24. The judge also adjourned the hearing of her bail plea to Tuesday, instructing the prosecution to file its objections.
Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of a senior Karnataka police officer, was arrested last week at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport while allegedly attempting to smuggle gold bars worth ₹14.56 crore. According to sources, she had traveled to Dubai nearly 30 times over the past year, raising suspicion among authorities. The DRI had reportedly been monitoring her movements for months before finally making the arrest.
This case has triggered a political storm in Karnataka, with accusations flying between the ruling Congress government and the opposition BJP. BJP leaders have alleged that a senior minister in the Congress government is trying to shield Ranya, while Congress leaders have countered by pointing out that the previous BJP administration had granted 12 acres of land to Ranya’s firm for setting up a steel plant. The controversy has deepened as opposition parties demand a high-level inquiry into Ranya’s alleged connections with influential figures.
As the investigation continues, authorities are now probing whether Ranya Rao was part of a larger smuggling syndicate. Officials suspect that she may have been working with an international network engaged in illicit gold trade. If proven guilty, she could face severe legal consequences, including a lengthy prison sentence.
Meanwhile, the case has garnered widespread public attention, with heated debates on social media regarding the alleged preferential treatment given to celebrities and high-profile individuals in legal cases. Some have accused the authorities of going easy on Ranya due to her connections, while others believe that she is being unfairly targeted to make an example out of her.
For now, Ranya remains behind bars, awaiting further legal proceedings. Whether her claims of mistreatment will hold up in court remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the case has only just begun, and more explosive details are likely to emerge in the coming days.
