The Special Court for Economic Offenses on Wednesday has sent Sahil Jain, the 3rd accused in the high-profile gold smuggling case involving Ranya Rao, to 14 days of judicial custody.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence presented Jain before the court on Wednesday after his custody period concluded.
Ranya Rao’s Bail Plea In Court
Actor Ranya Rao, who was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly carrying gold, has approached the Karnataka High Court seeking bail. Her plea was filed by her lawyer, BS Girish, after the sessions court in Bengaluru rejected her application on March 27. The High Court has scheduled the hearing for next week.
Details Of Gold Smuggling Case
The case took a dramatic turn when the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) registered an FIR based on a complaint by Abhishek Chandra Gupta, Additional Director of DRI. The FIR, lodged under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, and various sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Samhita (BNS), details a complex smuggling operation.
According to the complaint, 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. These arrests followed Ranya Rao’s detention at Bengaluru airport, raising suspicions of a coordinated smuggling syndicate operating from Dubai (UAE).
Suspected Smuggling Nexus
Gupta’s complaint highlights a possible nexus between the arrested individuals and a smuggling network with ties to Dubai. Ranya Rao’s frequent travels to Dubai, coupled with the foreign nationals’ multiple arrivals at Mumbai airport, have intensified suspicions of an organized smuggling syndicate.
The complaint also hints at the possible involvement of public servants and other individuals in facilitating the illegal operation. This has led authorities to expand their investigation, examining potential links within official circles.
Ongoing Investigation
The case remains under intense scrutiny as the DRI and CBI continue their probe into the gold smuggling syndicate. Ranya Rao’s bail application and the investigation’s progress are expected to shape the next steps in this high-profile case.
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