Officials did not let me explain my situation, says Ranya Rao

NT Correspondent

Bengaluru: Kannada actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested at Bengaluru airport in connection with a gold smuggling case, has made serious accusations against officials of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). In a detailed five-page complaint, she alleged that the officials physically assaulted her, deprived her of food and sleep, and pressured her into signing blank documents. Ranya stated that she was detained upon her return from Dubai, asserting, “They did not permit me to explain my situation and struck me 10 to 15 times. I was denied food and sleep while in custody.” She further claimed that a DRI officer threatened to involve her father if she did not comply with signing the documents.

Under significant mental and physical duress, she was compelled to sign 40- 60 typed pages along with 40 blank sheets. Ranya also accused the officials of intentionally framing her to shield other passengers. She stated that during a search at her residence, the officials failed to follow proper procedures or record her statement. In a related development, the Karnataka government has placed DGP K Ramachandra Rao, Ranya’s father, on mandatory leave amid allegations of his misuse of official authority to aid in gold smuggling.

An inquiry committee, led by Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, is currently investigating the matter. As the case attracts political attention, calls for a CBI investigation have emerged. BJP leaders are questioning the customs officials' oversights, while Karnataka Labour Minister Santosh Lad has called for a thorough investigation.