CBI to probe nationwide gold smuggling networks

CBI HAS STEPPED IN FOR WIDER PROBE BASED ON INPUTS OF DRI WHICH HAS ALERTED THAT SMUGGLING NETWORKS ARE LIKELY ACTIVE AT MAJOR AIRPORTS

- Neeraj Chauhan

NEW DELHI: Days after Kannada actress Ranya Rao was caught by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) from Bengaluru airport with 14.2kg gold valued at over ₹12.5 crore, the Central Bureau of Investigation has filed a case to investigate a larger conspiracy behind the network of international smugglers, people familiar with the development said on Saturday.

The federal agency is also expected to take over the Ranya Rao case as well and question her about the syndicate she worked with. Officials said CBI has already rushed two teams to Bengaluru and Mumbai.

According to an official, who asked not to be named, CBI has stepped in for a wider probe "based on the inputs of the DRI which has alerted that smuggling networks supported by public servants are likely active at major airports".