ED launches probe into Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, raids eight locations in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into the high-profile Bengaluru gold smuggling case, following probes by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The ED conducted raids at eight locations in Bengaluru and surrounding areas on Thursday as part of its money laundering probe under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA).
The ED initiated its investigation after taking cognisance of the CBI’s FIR and DRI’s findings following the arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao and her associate, Tarun Konduru Raj. A team of four officers raided Ranya’s Lavelle Road residence, seizing crucial documents. An Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) has been registered in New Delhi.
The probe is also looking into possible violations of foreign exchange laws, with investigators suspecting that money was routed through hawala transactions to Dubai in exchange for gold bars sent to India. The CBI had earlier raided Ranya’s residence on Monday. Meanwhile, the DRI conducted searches at nine locations, including Koramangala and Indiranagar.
The CBI registered an FIR on March 7 based on a complaint by Dr Abhishek Chandra Gupta, Additional Director of DRI, following Ranya’s arrest at Bengaluru airport on March 3. Two foreign nationals were later arrested at Mumbai airport on March 6 for attempting to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold worth ₹18.92 crore. Investigators believe the smuggling syndicate operates from Dubai, with possible national and international ramifications.
IPS officer under scrutiny
The state government has appointed Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta to investigate the alleged involvement of Ranya’s stepfather, senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao. Initially, the CID was tasked with probing the alleged misuse of protocol privileges by Ranya, but the state government withdrew the order on Wednesday, stating that Gupta would lead the inquiry with CID assistance.
The case surfaced when DRI officials seized 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Ranya upon her arrival from Dubai on March 3. Subsequent raids at her residence led to the seizure of gold jewellery. Investigations continue into the suspected smuggling network and potential links to government officials.
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Man launches attack with iron rod inside Golden Temple in Amritsar, injures 5
Amritsar, Mar 14 (PTI): A man wielding an iron rod went on an indiscriminate rampage on Friday here at Golden Temple, injuring two 'sewadars' and three devotees, police said.
The man was seen moving in the Guru Ramdas Niwas, also called Guru Ramdas Sarai, of the Golden Temple.
According to Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC) Secretary Partap Singh, the man turned violent when asked about his antecedents and attacked the SGPC employees and the others.
Police said the man hailed from Haryana and was handed over to them by the SGPC after the incident.
The reason behind the attack is under investigation.
The three injured devotees had come to the temple from Mohali, Bathinda and Patiala, while the other two were 'sewadars' of Sri Darbar Sahib (Golden Temple), Partap Singh said.
One 'sewadar' and a devotee from Bathinda suffered severe head injuries.
The injured were rushed to Sri Guru Ramdas Hospital at Vallah in a critical condition.
Partap Singh said the attacker and an accomplice of his were apprehended and handed over to the police.
In his appeal to the government and law enforcement agencies, the SGPC Secretary called for no leniency in taking action against the perpetrators.
