 "Ranya Rao case: Why Kannada actor's husband, Jatin Hukkeri, is under the police scanner")
The controversy surrounding Kannada actor Ranya Rao refuses to die down.
In a case touted as one of the biggest gold seizures in Karnataka, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) caught Rao carrying 14.8 kilogrammes of gold at the Bengaluru airport.
She had been on the investigators’ radar after taking four trips to Dubai within 15 days.
After her stepfather and top cop in Karnataka, K Ramachandra Rao , her husband, Jatin Hukkeri, is under scrutiny.
Here’s why.
Who is Jatin Hukkeri?
Jatin Hukkeri is an architect by profession who has designed pubs and microbreweries.
He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Interior Design from Bengaluru’s RV College of Engineering.
He pursued further studies at the Royal College of Art—Executive Education, London, specialising in Disruptive Market Innovation.
According to Della Leaders Club (DLC), Hukkeri first gained recognition for his creative designs in Bengaluru’s restaurant business before spreading his influence across India and London. Along with Craft CoDe, he founded WDA and DECODE LLC.
His LinkedIn page says he is an “experienced Architectural Designer with a demonstrated history of working in the Hospitality Architecture & planning industry. Skilled in Architectural Interiors, Custom Interiors, Recreation, Design, and Entertainment. Strong arts and design professional graduated from Royal College of Art, London.”
One of his notable endeavours is Hangover, a Bengaluru diner and cocktail bar.
In addition, he has projects in Delhi and Mumbai, and his clientele in Bengaluru includes Bangalore XOOX, Brewmill, and Olive Beach.
Why is he under scrutiny?
Hukkeri is being investigated due to his link to arrested actress Ranya Rao.
He tied the knot with Rao in a high-profile ceremony at the Taj West End a few months ago.
After the wedding, the couple settled into a high-end apartment in Bengaluru’s upscale Lavelle Road.
As the investigation proceeds, authorities are probing Hukkeri’s possible involvement in facilitating the smuggling operation to Dubai.
The police allege that he travelled with Rao to Dubai multiple times.
How Ranya Rao smuggled gold?
Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) after she was found in possession of 14.8 kilogrammes of gold on Monday.
She had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight and had been on the police’s radar due to her frequent international trips despite having no business or family ties there.
The actor reportedly visited Dubai 30 times in a year and four times in 15 days, according to the police. This prompted authorities to conduct a target operation upon her return.
Rao allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing a large amount of it and hiding gold bars in her clothes, investigators revealed.
“Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kilogrammes were found ingeniously concealed on person. The contraband, valued at Rs 12.56 crore was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962,” a DRI statement said.
After her arrest, Rao was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru’s HBR Layout for questioning.
According to the DRI statement, Rao’s residence at Bengaluru’s Lavelle Road was also searched and more gold jewellery was found there.
“Following the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her residential premises located at Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. The search resulted in the seizure of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore,” it said.
“The total seizure in the case stands at Rs 17.29 crore, marking a significant blow to organised gold smuggling networks,” the agency said.
Rao has been arrested under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and remanded to judicial custody.
During the investigation, Rao claimed that she was blackmailed into smuggling gold.
The police also detained Constable Basavaraju and recorded a statement regarding his involvement in helping Rao at the airport.
Ramachandra Rao has disassociated himself from the current episode and expressed his shock and disappointment over his daughter’s arrest.
He said he was not aware of any of these things and that there is no black mark in his career.
“I was also shocked and devastated when such an incident came to my notice through the media, I was not aware of any of these things, like any other father I was also shocked,” Ramachandra Rao was quoted by ANI.
With inputs from agencies
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
 "Russian drones over Poland: Trump’s tepid reaction a wake-up call for Nato?")
 "As Russia pushes east, Ukraine faces mounting pressure to defend its heartland")
 "Why Mossad was not on board with Israel’s strike on Hamas in Qatar")
 "Turkey: Erdogan's police arrest opposition mayor Hasan Mutlu, dozens officials in corruption probe")
