Not Just Dubai, Ranya Rao Travelled To Europe, US, Middle East: Kannada Actress Admits Smuggling Gold

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was sent to judicial custody after she was allegedly caught smuggling 14.8 kg of the contraband from Dubai, had reportedly travelled to countries such as the US, Europe and the Middle East.

What Ranya Rao Said?

Rao has admitted that she smuggled the gold during her statement to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), according to a report in India Today. During the interrogation, the actress has mentioned about visiting to the aforementioned countries.

However, the actress has said that she is tired and seeks some "rest". She told the officers as per India Today: "I accept that 17 pieces of gold bars were recovered from my possession. I would request you to keep the proceedings as private as possible."

Rao, who is the stepdaughter of Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police (Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation), further assured full cooperation with the DRI in its ongoing investigation. She emphasized that her testimony was given voluntarily, without coercion.

Her Statement

"I have nothing more to state. I once again reiterate that I will co-operate in the ongoing investigation and I shall appear before you as and when called for. During the recording of this statement no religious sentiments were hurt. I have been offered food and beverages from time to time, but I chose not to eat as I am not hungry and was drinking water. This statement of mine is given voluntarily without any force, threat, coercion or inducement and in my normal state of mind. The contents of this statement are read over and the contents are as deposed by me," the actor told DRI.

However, her frequent visits have come under the scanner. Going by the reports, she traveled to Dubai 30 times in the past year, including four trips within just 15 days, allegedly smuggling gold each time.

The case has also drawn scrutiny toward Rao's husband, Jatin Hukkeri.

She had married Hukkeri, an architect by profession, four months ago at the Taj West End.