Actress Linked to Gold Smuggling Lands 12-Acre Industrial Plot

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, linked to a gold smuggling case, was associated with a firm allotted 12 acres for a steel unit. The company planned to invest Rs 138 crore, creating 160 jobs. Ranya was arrested by DRI for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai and is in custody.

The Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) has confirmed that M/s Ksiroda India Pvt. Ltd., a company linked to Kannada actress Ranya Rao, was granted 12 acres of land in Sira Industrial Area, Tumakuru district. This allotment was approved on January 2, 2023, during the 137th State Level Single Window Clearance Committee (SLSWCC) meeting held under the previous government.

According to the official statement, the company proposed to establish a manufacturing unit for Steel TMT bars, rods, and related products with an investment of Rs 138 crore. The venture is anticipated to generate around 160 jobs, contributing to the local economy.

In a separate development, Ranya Rao was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. She is accused of smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai. As the stepdaughter of DGP Dr. K Ramachandra Rao, Ranya was presented before a special court the following day, accused of financial offences.

Ranya's court appearance on March 4 resulted in her being remanded to judicial custody until March 18, after undergoing a medical examination. While she claims her Dubai trip was for business, authorities suspect it facilitated gold smuggling. She was held in DRI custody until March 10, with limited daily access to legal counsel.

The Economic Offences Court, led by Justice Vishwanath C Gowdar, mandated that DRI provide Ranya with necessary amenities during her detention, sternly advising against any misconduct during the probe. (ANI)

(With inputs from agencies.)