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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Gurugram CA held for slitting pregnant wife's throat with scissors
Jhajjar (PTI): A chartered accountant has been arrested for allegedly killing his pregnant wife by slitting her throat with a pair of scissors and trying to pass it off as a robbery attempt, police said on Wednesday.
According to police, Anshul Dhawan (31) got married to Mehak (27) in September last year. Both worked in Gurugram.
Police received a call on Sunday night reporting that some unidentified people tried to rob Anshul, took his car and kidnapped his wife, SHO Badli, Inspector Suresh said.
When police reached the spot, they found the woman's body near a dry canal with injury marks on her neck, he said.
Suspecting inconsistencies in Anshul's version of events, police took him into custody for interrogation. He confessed that he had killed Mehak with a pair of scissors, wearing gloves, over suspicions about her character, SHO said.
"During his questioning, it came to light that he had pre-planned the murder. His wife worked in a private bank in Gurugram. He had doubts that she talked to her friends, and he did not like it," SHO added. Following the confession, Anshul was arrested on Monday.
Further investigation into the matter is underway, police said.
Mehak's sister, Shruti, told the reporters that the family had doubts that Anshul was involved in the murder. She said, "We want justice; the killer should be hanged. He did not even think that his wife was two months pregnant."
She said on February 15, Anshul came to their house and stayed only for ten minutes and left with Mehal for Gurugram.
Shruti alleged that Anshul had pre-planned the murder.
