The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has launched an investigation into alleged involvement of government officials in gold smuggling from Dubai. This step follows a complaint by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which recently arrested actress Ranya Rao and another individual in Bengaluru.
The DRI arrested Ranya Rao at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on March 3. She was caught attempting to smuggle 14 kg of gold from Dubai. Later, on March 6, two citizens from Oman and UAE were arrested at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport while attempting to smuggle 21.28 kg of gold into India. The value of the seized gold is reported to be approximately INR 18.92 crores.
The DRI's investigation revealed that both foreign nationals had frequently traveled to India through the Mumbai airport. Furthermore, gold jewelry worth INR 2.06 crore and cash amounting to INR 2.67 crores were recovered from Ranya Rao's residence. Authorities note that she had also undertaken multiple trips to Dubai. The large scale of the gold smuggling operation and the collusion between Indian and foreign nationals has put security agencies on high alert. Given the potential deep-rooted connections of this network on both international and national levels, the DRI has involved the CBI in further proceedings.
The CBI has registered an FIR against unidentified government officials and private individuals to begin its probe. Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has also filed a money laundering case, leading to raids at Ranya Rao's premises.
