Actress Ranya Rao has strongly denied allegations of gold smuggling and has accused investigating officers of misconduct and physical abuse. In a letter addressed to the Additional Director General (ADG) of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), she detailed her grievances and appealed for a fair investigation.
Gold Smuggling : Ranya Rao Denies Charges
Currently held at the Central Prison in Parappana Agrahara, Bengaluru, Gold Smuggling , Rao asserts that she was wrongfully implicated in the case. She was arrested on March 2 after reportedly being found in possession of over 14 kg of gold upon arrival at Kempegowda International Airport from Dubai. However, in her letter, dated March 6 and submitted through prison authorities, she contends that her detention was unlawful and based on insufficient evidence and she is not involved in Gold Smuggling .
Rao stated that her arrest was executed in an unjust manner, alleging that she was taken into custody directly from the aircraft without proper verification of facts. She claims that the officials acted hastily and failed to conduct an impartial assessment before charging her with Gold Smuggling .
Additionally, she asserted that critical evidence supporting her innocence was ignored, and she was unfairly labelled as part of an illegal network without due process.
In a shocking revelation, Rao alleged that she was subjected to physical assault while in custody. She claimed that investigators slapped her repeatedly—between 10 to 15 times—and coerced her into signing a 40-page document admitting to smuggling activities.
Her letter further describes her distress over the treatment she received, stating that such coercion violated both legal and ethical guidelines. She has urged authorities to hold those responsible accountable and to investigate the alleged misconduct by the officials involved.
In her plea to the ADG, Rao has requested a thorough and unbiased review of her case. She has emphasized the need for transparency and due process, maintaining her willingness to fully cooperate with a fair and lawful inquiry.
Furthermore, she has called for disciplinary action against any officers found guilty of wrongdoing, insisting that her rights were violated during the course of the investigation.
The controversy surrounding her arrest has drawn attention from various quarters, with legal experts and activists raising concerns about potential procedural lapses in the handling of her case. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has conducted raids across multiple locations in Bengaluru in connection with the investigation, reportedly uncovering additional details related to the smuggling network.
Amidst the unfolding developments, Rao’s claims of mistreatment have put the investigating agencies under scrutiny. As legal proceedings continue, her case has ignited debates about due process and the ethical treatment of individuals under investigation.
Authorities have yet to formally respond to her allegations, but her appeal for justice has intensified calls for greater accountability in high-profile cases such as this. With the case gaining national attention, all eyes remain on the DRI’s next steps in response to the accusations leveled by the actress.
As the legal battle unfolds, it remains to be seen how these claims will impact the ongoing investigation and whether Rao’s demands for an impartial review will be met.
