Cop who escorted Ranya Rao said order came from seniors, agency tells court

The special court for economic offences, which was hearing Kannada actor Ranya Rao's bail petition, reserved its order for March 14. 


The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) told a Karnataka court that the protocol officer who helped Kannada actor Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling gold, dodge security checks at the airport received instructions from seniors. The court, which was hearing Ranya's bail petition, reserved its order for March 14.

Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of a senior police officer, was arrested with gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore earlier this month from the Bengaluru airport. The gold bars were found strapped to her body in a hidden waist belt.

DRI ON VIP AIRPORT PROTOCOLS

The DRI has alleged that Ranya exploited VIP airport protocols meant for senior officials to bypass security checks. Investigators have claimed that a state protocol officer would go to the immigration and pick up the actor's luggage for fast-track security clearance. This way, she would skip frisking at the airport after landing.

"The police officer admitted before DRI officials that they provided the protocol based on instructions from department authorities. Hence, they admitted to granting protocol in this case," Special Public Prosecutor (SPP) Madhu Rao, representing the DRI, told the court.

The Karnataka government has also launched a separate probe into whether Ranya's stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, an IPS officer and current DGP, had any role in the incident.

During the hearing, the prosecutor opposed the bail plea, saying evasion of customs duty exceeding Rs 50 lakh was a serious offence. He said it fell under Section 135(1)(a) and (b) of the Customs Act, making it a cognisable and non-bailable offence.

The prosecutor further said Ranya exited the airport through the 'Green Channel' with the help of a protocol officer instead of the 'Red Channel', indicating an intent to evade customs duty.

He said the actor, who starred in three films, hid the gold bars in her jeans, waist, and shoes, and even taped them to her thigh using a medical bandage.

The prosecutor asserted that the DRI did not violate the actor's freedom in any way and a detailed explanation of the grounds of her arrest and the necessity of the arrest was provided. The DRI claimed that Ranya used various links for smuggling and operated through hawala channels.

The DRI further contended that the actor could flee the country and influence the witnesses if granted bail.

RANYA RAO'S ARGUMENTS

The DRI's response came after senior advocate Kiran Javali, appearing for Ranya, claimed that the agency did not state the "grounds of arrest" in violation of legal procedures.

"We are not debating whether Ranya is guilty or not. But procedural violations by investigators warrant bail," Javali said.

News is originally taken from: https://bit.ly/3Dyiuoc

Samachar App: watch the live latest news of India and the world, business updates, cricket scores, etc. Download the Samachar App now to keep up with daily breaking news.  

Like and Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

6 students killed, 1 injured after speeding car crashes into truck in Dehradun

Image
The accident took place around 1.30 am at ONGC Chowk, where a speeding Innova car crashed into the rear of a container truck, leaving the car in a wrecked state, police said. Six people were killed, and another critically injured, in a severe car accident in Dehradun early Tuesday morning. The accident took place around 1.30 am at ONGC Chowk, where a speeding Innova car crashed into the rear of a container truck, leaving the car in a wrecked state, police said. According to Circle Officer (City) Neeraj Semwal, the six deceased-three boys and three girls, all under 25 years of age-died instantly. A seventh passenger, identified as 25-year-old Siddhesh Agrawal, survived but is in critical condition at Synergy Hospital. Five of those who died were residents of Dehradun, while one was from Chamba. Reports suggest the group had gone out for a late-night drive before the accident. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, who was on a trip to Uttarkashi and Rudraprayag, expressed his grief over th...
Read more

Missing Titan Submersible: US Coast Guard Finds Debris Field On Ocean Floor

Image
In a crucial development in the ongoing search for the missing Titanic tourist submersible, a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) has uncovered a significant debris field, as announced by the US Coast Guard on Thursday. Search teams dedicated to locating the submarine made the discovery, and the findings are currently under evaluation, according to the US Coast Guard. The US Coast Guard said, "A debris field was discovered within the search area by an ROV near the Titanic. Experts within the unified command are evaluating the information." A debris field was discovered within the search area by an ROV near the Titanic. Experts within the unified command are evaluating the information. 1/2 — USCGNortheast (@USCGNortheast) June 22, 2023 The presence of the debris field represents a significant breakthrough, potentially providing vital clues and insights into the whereabouts and condition of the missing submersible. Meanwhile, the Coast Guard is scheduled to host a press briefi...
Read more

Accused of selling in Gujarat hanged in police custody, died

Image
During the checking of vehicles, the police of B Division police station of Panchmahal district had recovered from a vehicle. The police had sent the recovered meat for examination. In the investigation, the meat recovered by the police was confirmed to be beef. Governments are strict about beef smuggling. Police arrested a person for selling beef in Gujarat. The man arrested for selling beef committed suicide by hanging himself in police custody. The incident is from the B Division police station area of ​​Panchmahal district of the state. Police have registered a case of suicide in this case and started investigation. According to the information, during the checking of vehicles, the police of B division police station of Panchmahal district had recovered from a vehicle. The police had sent the recovered meat for examination. In the investigation, the meat recovered by the police was confirmed to be beef. Police took action on confirmation of the confiscated beef and arrested 32-year...
Read more