Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], March 24: Karnataka Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta, leading the investigation into the Ranya Rao gold smuggling case, has confirmed that the final report is expected to be submitted today.
Gupta stated that the investigation had been conducted thoroughly and assured the public that no one had been pressured during the inquiry. He confirmed that around 10 to 15 people had been questioned as part of the investigation.
“We are checking the final details of the report and hope to submit it today. It was a thorough investigation; no one needs to feel under pressure… 10-15 people were questioned,” Gupta told the media. He also added that several individuals linked to the case had been inquired about.
Ranya Rao, who was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport by officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), was found carrying a significant amount of gold. Following her arrest, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed an FIR based on a complaint from Abhishek Chandra Gupta, Additional Director of DRI. The FIR was filed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS).
The investigation took a significant turn when two foreign nationals were arrested at Mumbai Airport on March 6 for attempting to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold, valued at Rs. 18.92 crore, into India. Gupta’s complaint suggested a possible connection to a smuggling syndicate operating from Dubai (UAE), with suspicions of the involvement of public servants.
The investigation into the case continues as authorities work to uncover the full scope of the gold smuggling network.