In a shocking turn of events, actress Ranya Rao, who was arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore, has made explosive claims in a letter addressed to the Additional Director General of the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

The letter, dated March 6, details alleged physical assault, coercion, and intimidation at the hands of DRI officers, raising serious questions about the investigation.

Ranya Rao’s Explosive Allegations Against DRI

"I Was Slapped 10-15 Times, Forced to Sign Papers"

Ranya Rao claims she was physically assaulted, slapped multiple times, and coerced into signing fabricated statements.

"I was slapped 10-15 times, repeatedly on my face, for refusing to sign the statements they had prepared," she alleged in the letter.

She further asserted her innocence, stating she was falsely implicated and that she could identify the officers who assaulted her.

"I Was Denied Food and Threatened"

In her letter, Rao also alleged that DRI officers threatened to drag her father into the case, even though he had no involvement.

"One of the officers said that if you’re not signing the papers, we will expose your father’s name and identify him, even though we know he is nowhere involved," she claimed.

Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao, also accused officers of denying her food and forcing her to sign nearly 50-60 typed pages and 40 blank pages under duress.

"I Was Arrested From the Aircraft, Not the Terminal"

Rao also refuted the DRI’s official version of her arrest, claiming that she was apprehended directly from the aircraft and not from the airport terminal, as mentioned in the case documents.

"From the time of my apprehension till I was produced in court, I was slapped on my face 10-15 times by officers, whom I can identify," she stated.

Additionally, she claimed that no formal seizure procedure (Mahazar) was conducted, nor was any search or recovery made from her.

"Some persons from Delhi who claimed to be officers warned me to protect certain other passengers and have falsely implicated me," she alleged.

Viral Picture of Ranya Rao Sparks Outrage

A photo of Ranya Rao with swollen eyes recently went viral on social media, fueling speculation of custodial assault.

Karnataka Women’s Commission Responds

Following the viral image, Karnataka State Commission for Women Chairperson Nagalakshmi Chaudhary addressed the matter but clarified that the commission could only act if a formal complaint was filed.

"If she submits a written request to the commissioner or directly to me, we will intervene and ensure a thorough investigation. However, since she has neither requested our intervention nor filed a complaint, I have no further comments," she said.

Chaudhary, however, condemned any form of violence or abuse in custody, stating:

"No one has the right to take the law into their own hands. Assaulting anyone, whether a woman or anyone else, is completely unacceptable, and I strongly oppose it."

Why This Letter Matters

Ranya Rao’s letter has surfaced just a day after a special court in Bengaluru denied her bail request, intensifying the controversy.

With her allegations of assault, coercion, and false implication, the case has taken a dramatic turn, raising questions about the DRI’s conduct and due process.

Will the authorities respond to these serious accusations? Will Ranya Rao’s claims lead to a re-examination of the case?