Actress Ranya Rao sent to 3-day DRI custody in gold smuggling case

Ranya Rao has been sent to three-day custody.

In the gold smuggling case, Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was recently arrested, has been sent to Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) custody for three days as per the court's order for further investigation.

The order was issued by the Economic Offenses Court, presided over by Justice Vishwanath C. Gowdar, ANI reported.

Earlier in the day, she confessed to the crime and told the DRI that 17 pieces of gold bar were recovered from her possession. She said she had not only travelled to Dubai but Europe, America and the Middle East also.

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Rao was arrested on March 5 for allegedly smuggling over 14 kg of gold from Dubai.

The actress, the daughter of Karnataka DGP (Police Housing Corporation) Ramachandra Rao

and known for her roles in films like 'Maanikya' and 'Pataki,' was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport (KIAD) in Bengaluru.

Further searches at her Lavelle Road residence led to the seizure of additional gold ornaments worth Rs 2.1 crore and Rs 2.7 crore in cash.

In her first formal statement to the DRI, which news channel India TV obtained, Ranya Rao claimed to have visited Dubai, Saudi Arabia, and the Middle East in addition to Europe and America.

Also Read: Ranya Rao's big 'confession': 'Dubai, Europe, America' - What she told DRI

Ranya has also admitted that authorities recovered 17 gold bars from her possession. In the statement recorded during questioning, Ranya Rao said, "I accept that 17 pieces of gold bars were recovered from my possession. I would request you to keep the proceedings as private as possible".