Income Tax officials allowed to quiz Ranya Rao for 3 days in gold smuggling case
Kannada actor Ranya Rao will be interrogated by the Income Tax Department for three days in connection with a gold smuggling case. The Special Court for Economic Offences has granted permission for the questioning, which will take place from today until June 13 between 10 am and 5 pm. As directed by the court, the interrogation will be videographed inside the Parappana Agrahara Central Prison, where Rao is currently incarcerated. advertisementRanya Rao was arrested at the Bengaluru airport on March 3 for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. A detailed personal search reportedly revealed gold bars concealed around her waist and calves using bandages and tissues. Additional gold bars and cut pieces were also found hidden in her shoes and front pockets. The seized gold, stated to be of 24-carat purity, was valued at over Rs 12.56 crore. Rao has been booked under the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.
The Income Tax Department is probing the source of funds used to purchase the smuggled gold. The interrogation, led by woman inspector Shwetha and inspector Ravipal, is expected to shed light on possible financial networks and identify any accomplices involved in the operation.On June 3, Rao's mother filed a habeas corpus petition before the Karnataka High Court, challenging the legality of her daughter's detention in connection with the gold smuggling case.Ranya Rao was granted bail on May 20 by the Special Court for Economic Offences, but continues to remain in custody, due to a separate case that was filed under the Conservation of Foreign Exchange and Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act, 1974 (Cofeposa).advertisement
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