Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya has accused the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials of assault and coercion. She claims they forced her to sign blank and typed papers in connection with a gold smuggling case.
In a letter to the DRI Additional Director General, Ranya said she was falsely accused of smuggling over 14 kg of gold from Dubai. She alleged that officials denied her a chance to prove her innocence.
The actress, also known as Ranya Rao, claimed that she was slapped 10 to 15 times while in custody. She resisted signing the prepared statement despite the alleged beatings.
She further claimed she was forced to sign nearly 100 documents, including blank sheets. Officers allegedly threatened to expose her father’s identity despite knowing he wasn’t involved.
Ranya is the stepdaughter of senior police officer K Ramachandra Rao. She has appeared in movies like “Maanikya.”
The DRI earlier reported seizing gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore from Ranya at Bengaluru airport. Officials also found gold jewellery and cash worth several crores at her home.