Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 from Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for possessing 14.8 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. She was remanded to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) until March 10. After three days in custody, Ranya appeared before the Economic Offenses Court and accused DRI officials of mental harassment.
The actress broke down in court, stating that whenever she stopped answering their questions, the DRI officials verbally abused her. She said, "I was verbally tortured and threatened. I am traumatised and emotionally broken."
Ranya also shared that she was provided medical treatment or subjected to "third-degree interrogation."
"If I don’t respond, they threaten me, saying, 'You know what will happen if you don’t speak,'" Ranya told the judge.
She also alleged to have been forced to sign documents against her will. "I am being pressurised and being forced to sign documents by authorities. Taken to unknown locations by authorities," said Rao.
The actress denied being physically tortured after a viral photo of her with swollen eyes and bruises circulated on social media, sparking speculation that she might have been assaulted during or after her arrest at the airport. However, she attributed her condition to trauma and emotional distress.
However, during the court proceedings, the investigating officer (IO) informed the judge that Ranya was not subjected to any harassment by DRI officials. "She refuses to answer any questions during interrogation. Every time we ask, she remains silent. We have recorded the entire investigation," the officer stated.
Furthermore, the officer added that Ranya did not respond even when presented with evidence. The IO claimed that her lawyers had instructed her on what to say as soon as she entered the court.
