Bail Drama in Gold Smuggling Case: Ranya Rao’s Husband Secures Immunity, DGP Step-Father Under Investigation
14.8 Kg Gold Bust: Actress Ranya Rao’s Legal Battle Intensifies, Karnataka Govt Acts Against Top Cop
BNH NETWORK
Bail Petition Deferred as High Court Steps In
BENGALURU - In a fresh development in the high-profile gold smuggling case, the Bengaluru Civil and Sessions Court has postponed the bail plea hearing of actress Ranya Rao to March 19 after her previous petition was rejected by the Special Court for Economic Offences. The court has also directed the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to submit objections by the next hearing date.
Meanwhile, in a separate legal relief, the Karnataka High Court (HC) has granted temporary protection to Jatin Hukkeri, Ranya Rao’s husband, directing the DRI not to take punitive action against him without adhering to due legal procedures. The matter has been scheduled for further hearing on March 24.
DGP Step-Father Under Scrutiny as Investigations Widen
As the case unfolds, the Karnataka government has placed DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, father of the accused actress, on compulsory leave with immediate effect. The state has appointed senior IAS officer Gaurav Gupta to lead an internal probe against the high-ranking police officer, while multiple central agencies, including the CBI, ED, and DRI, have intensified investigations.
The DGP, serving as the Chairman and Managing Director of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, had earlier expressed shock at his stepdaughter’s arrest, stating he was completely unaware of her involvement in illegal gold smuggling activities.
FACT FILE: Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
- Accused: Actress Ranya Rao
- Arrest Date: March 2025
- Charges: Smuggling 14.8 kg of gold, illegal possession of ₹2.67 crore cash
- Agencies Involved: DRI, CBI, ED
- Legal Developments: Bail plea postponed to March 19; Karnataka HC protects husband from immediate action
- Family Ties: Stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, now under government scrutiny
- Allegations: Ranya Rao claims custodial assault, forced confession
Ranya Rao Alleges Custodial Assault, DRI Denies Claims
Adding another layer of controversy, actress Ranya Rao has alleged that DRI officials assaulted her in custody, slapping and coercing her into signing statements under duress. She further accused them of using threats to "expose" her stepfather, DGP Rao. The DRI, however, denied any misconduct, stating that due process was followed during her detention and interrogation.
Ranya Rao was arrested after authorities seized 14.8 kg of smuggled gold at Bengaluru International Airport. Subsequent raids at her upscale Lavelle Road apartment led to the seizure of ₹2.06 crore worth of gold and ₹2.67 crore in cash. Reports suggest she was paying a staggering ₹4.5 lakh per month in rent.
Her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, claimed in court that the couple had been living separately since December, just a month after their November 2024 wedding. The DRI had initially raided his residence after discovering that Rao booked her flight tickets using his credit card.
