EXCLUSIVE : Hotelier’s Grandson Tarun Raj Arrested in Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested Tarun Raju, grandson of the Atria Hotel owner, in connection with a high-profile gold smuggling case involving Kannada actor Ranya Rao. The arrest follows Rao’s detention at Kempegowda International Airport with gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. Authorities suspect the duo collaborated in smuggling operations from Dubai and beyond.
Tarun Raju was detained after evidence linked him to Ranya Rao’s activities. The Special Economic Offences Court granted the DRI five days of custody for interrogation. This comes days after Rao’s arrest on March 3 with 17 gold bars in her possession.
Sources reveal Tarun and Ranya were close associates, maintaining contact despite a strained friendship after her marriage to Jatin Hukkeri. Investigators found Ranya had reached out to Tarun during her Dubai trips. Both were recently confronted together in custody.
Ranya admitted to traveling to Dubai nearly 30 times in the past year, including four trips in 15 days. She also disclosed visits to Saudi Arabia, Europe, and the US, allegedly smuggling gold each time. Searches at her home yielded Rs 2.06 crore in jewellery and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
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During Monday’s hearing, Ranya accused DRI officials of verbal abuse, saying, “They threatened me, saying, ‘You know what will happen if you don’t speak.’” She claimed mental distress but denied physical harm. The judge questioned why she didn’t raise this earlier with her lawyer.
The investigating officer countered, “She refuses to answer questions; we’ve recorded everything.” The officer alleged her lawyers coached her statements, a claim that prompted judicial scrutiny of her legal team. Ranya insisted she cooperated but was pressured to sign documents.
Ranya broke down in court, questioning, “Why are they mapping my house?” She claimed full cooperation despite refusing to sign papers initially. The judge assured her the probe was recorded and advised filing a petition if needed.
The DRI continues to investigate the smuggling network, with Tarun Raju’s interrogation expected to reveal more links. Ranya remains in judicial custody until March 24, with her bail hearing set for Tuesday. Further arrests or seizures may emerge as the probe widens.
