By: Amit kumaR Agarwal
In a significant operation against gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), successfully intercepted a lady passenger carrying foreign-origin gold bars valued at Rs.12.56crore at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted an Indian lady passenger, Ranya Rao, aged around 33 years, who had arrived from Dubai to Bengaluru via Emirates flight.
Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on person. The contraband, valued at Rs. 12.56 Crore was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Following the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her residential premises located at Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. The search resulted in the seizure of gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore.
Ranya was presented before an economic offences court the next day and was remanded to 14 days in judicial custody.
Reportedly, Ranya was under the radar due to the frequency of her travel to Dubai. The authorities swung into action after noticing that Ranya Rao had travelled to Dubai four times in 15 days, which added to their suspicion. They hence launched a targeted operation to arrest her.
The total seizure in the case stands at Rs. 17.29 crore, marking a significant blow to organised gold smuggling networks. The haul of 14.2 kg is one of the biggest seizures of gold at Bengaluru International airport in recent times.