Ranya Rao's Husband Says He Is Separated From Actress, Seeks Exemption From Arrest In Gold Smuggling Case

Jatin Hukkeri, the husband of actress Ranya Rao-who was arrested in connection with gold smuggling-has filed a plea in court requesting exemption from arrest. Last Tuesday, the Karnataka High Court ruled that no action should be taken against him until the next hearing.

Hukkeri's advocate, Prabhuling Navadagi, argued in court that his client had married Rao in November but had been informally separated from her since December due to personal issues.

Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI)'s lawyer, Madhu Rao, stated that they would submit their objection next Monday. The High Court confirmed that its earlier order-preventing any action against Hukkeri-would remain in force until the next hearing on Monday, 24th March, when the DRI files its response.

On March 11, the Karnataka High Court had initially ruled that no action should be taken against Hukkeri, who approached the court fearing he might be taken into custody due to his association with Rao.

Hukkeri gained public attention after Rao's father, IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, alleged that his daughter had distanced herself from the family since her marriage.

The Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation's Managing Director made this claim shortly after Ranya Rao's arrest, when her connection to the DGP-rank officer became widely known.

Ranya Rao, who remains in custody following her arrest on 3rd March for smuggling gold from Dubai, has filed a fresh bail petition in the Sessions Court after her initial plea was rejected by a lower court. The Sessions Court is expected to hear her petition today.