News for 'smuggling'

Judicial custody of 'gold smuggler' actress Ranya Rao extended

Judicial custody of 'gold smuggler' actress Ranya Rao extended

Rediff.com7 Apr 2025

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, along with businessman Tarun Raju and jewellery dealer Sahil Jain, had their judicial custody extended until April 21 in connection with a gold smuggling case. The trio is accused of orchestrating the illegal import of gold worth over Rs 12.56 crore from Dubai to India. The case came to light in March 2025 when Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport with 14.8 kilograms of gold allegedly smuggled from Dubai. Investigations revealed her association with Vira Diamonds Trading, a Dubai-based firm she co-founded with Tarun Raju, which authorities allege was used as a front for smuggling operations. Raju was arrested following evidence of his involvement in purchasing gold in Dubai and facilitating its illegal transport to India. Jeweller Sahil Jain is suspected of assisting Ranya in selling approximately 49 kilograms of smuggled gold valued at over Rs 40 crore and managing hawala transactions.

BSF gets body cams, biometric tools to tackle infiltration from Bangladesh

BSF gets body cams, biometric tools to tackle infiltration from Bangladesh

Rediff.com27 Jul 2025

The two policy decisions to bolster BSF capabilities at this front have been taken in the wake of the stepped up security arrangements along the border following the fall of the Sheikh Hasina government in Bangladesh on August 5, 2024.

Ranya Rao's arrest: CBI cracks down on gold smuggling gangs

Ranya Rao's arrest: CBI cracks down on gold smuggling gangs

Rediff.com8 Mar 2025

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a case against smugglers bringing gold into India from abroad through various airports. The investigation follows the recent arrest of Kannada actor Ranya Rao at Bengaluru airport with 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.56 crore. Two CBI teams have been deployed to Mumbai and Bengaluru airports to gather information.

UP man arrested for spying, travelled to Pak several times

UP man arrested for spying, travelled to Pak several times

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Shahzad was apprehended on Sunday by the STF Moradabad unit following inputs about his alleged involvement in cross-border smuggling and espionage activities for the ISI.

Cow vigilante accused ends life; blames Bajrang Dal men in video

Cow vigilante accused ends life; blames Bajrang Dal men in video

Rediff.com9 Jul 2025

A suspected cow vigilante, accused in the Nasir-Junaid murders, allegedly committed suicide by jumping in front of a train. He left a video alleging harassment by Bajrang Dal members.

Man who killed multiple taxi drivers nabbed after 25 years

Man who killed multiple taxi drivers nabbed after 25 years

Rediff.com6 Jul 2025

A 49-year-old man, who was on the run for around 25 years, has been arrested in Delhi in connection with a string of crimes where he allegedly hired taxis, killed the drivers, dumped their bodies in remote forested areas of Uttarakhand and sold the vehicles off across the Nepal border, a senior police officer said on Sunday.

DGP stepfather of Ranya Rao sent on compulsory leave

DGP stepfather of Ranya Rao sent on compulsory leave

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Kannada actress Ranya Rao's stepfather, Director General of Police Ramchandra Rao, has been sent on compulsory leave.

How drones are reshaping terror strategy in J-K

How drones are reshaping terror strategy in J-K

Rediff.com16 Jul 2025

Security agencies are concerned about the increasing use of drones by terror groups in Jammu and Kashmir for surveillance and logistics, replacing human networks.

US hands over 297 antiquities smuggled out of India

US hands over 297 antiquities smuggled out of India

Rediff.com22 Sep 2024

The United States has handed over to India 297 antiquities, which were smuggled out of the country, during the ongoing visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, an official statement said on Sunday.

Costao Review: Dynamic Nawaz

Costao Review: Dynamic Nawaz

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Sejal Shah's flatly-narrated timeline would probably serve better as a documentary, observes Sukanya Verma.

30 flyers held for 'smuggling' flee Lucknow airport

30 flyers held for 'smuggling' flee Lucknow airport

Rediff.com4 Apr 2024

Thirty people who were detained at the Lucknow airport for allegedly smuggling gold into the country escaped after one of them pretended to fall sick and created chaos, officials said.

'Smuggler' Kannada actress earned Rs 12 lakh for each Dubai trip

'Smuggler' Kannada actress earned Rs 12 lakh for each Dubai trip

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Kannada actress Ranya Rao's frequent trips to Dubai have come under intense scrutiny following her arrest for allegedly smuggling gold into India.

Bahawalpur and Narowal: Suicide factories of Jaish exposed

Bahawalpur and Narowal: Suicide factories of Jaish exposed

Rediff.com8 May 2025

The Bahawalpur centre is notorious for hoarding arms and ammunition left behind by the NATO forces in Afghanistan, the officials said.

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Two women among 12 held so far in 3 states on espionage charges

Rediff.com19 May 2025

While six of them have been held from Punjab, five were nabbed from neighbouring Haryana, and one from Uttar Pradesh.

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

India refuses to sign SCO document that skipped Pak terror

Rediff.com26 Jun 2025

In his address, Singh said there should be "no double standards" in combating terrorism and urged the SCO member nations to condemn the menace with unity.

'Smuggler' actor Ranya Rao was allotted 12 acre land by BJP govt?

'Smuggler' actor Ranya Rao was allotted 12 acre land by BJP govt?

Rediff.com10 Mar 2025

The Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board (KIADB) has confirmed that Kannada actor Ranya Rao, recently arrested for gold smuggling, was allotted 12 acres of industrial land in 2023 by the previous BJP government for setting up a steel plant. The allocation was approved during a state-level meeting in January 2023, when the BJP was in power. The Congress government, which came to power after the May 2023 elections, has released documents confirming the land allotment. Ranya Rao was arrested after gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from her at Bengaluru airport.

Vlogger, Security Guard, Student...

Vlogger, Security Guard, Student...

Rediff.com19 May 2025

Security agencies have identified 11 Indians who spied for Pakistan. Look at what they did for a living.

Meet The Jewel Thieves of Bollywood

Meet The Jewel Thieves of Bollywood

Rediff.com28 Apr 2025

Sukanya Verma looks at Bollywood's best-known diamond robberies in film.

Kannada actress arrested with 15 kg gold is DGP's daughter

Kannada actress arrested with 15 kg gold is DGP's daughter

Rediff.com5 Mar 2025

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold. Authorities suspect she may have attempted to use her connections to bypass customs checks. Officials are investigating whether she was acting alone or part of a larger smuggling network.

How Covid Spiked Gold Smuggling

How Covid Spiked Gold Smuggling

Rediff.com3 Jan 2023

Officials were surprised at how quickly smugglers appraised the Covid situation to recruit jobless migrant workers to ship gold.

US sanctions Indian national for shipping Iranian oil

US sanctions Indian national for shipping Iranian oil

Rediff.com11 Apr 2025

The US has sanctioned an Indian national based in the United Arab Emirates and two India-based entities for operating as part of Iran's shadow fleet and involved in shipping Iranian oil. The US Department of the Treasury said Jugwinder Singh Brar, who owns multiple shipping companies, operates as part of Iran's shadow fleet, which the US said is used to evade sanctions and transport Iranian oil. Brar also owns or controls India-based shipping company Global Tankers Private Limited and petrochemical sales company B and P Solutions Private Limited. The sanctions come as part of a US campaign of maximum pressure on Iran and target the country's petroleum and petrochemical sectors.

Skip Thug Life, Watch This Film Instead

Skip Thug Life, Watch This Film Instead

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

The gangster saga Nayakan not only earned Mani Ratnam's reputation as a great director, the dubbed version of the film also did well in Mumbai, so much so that Feroz Khan's Hindi remake, Dayavan, starring Vinod Khanna, could not compare, recalls Deepa Gahlot.

Caught smuggling 25kg gold, Afghan diplomat resigns

Caught smuggling 25kg gold, Afghan diplomat resigns

Rediff.com4 May 2024

Wardak had taken charge as the acting ambassador of Afghanistan to New Delhi since late last year after working as the Afghan Consul General in Mumbai for over two years.

Watch Frederick Forsyth's Movies On OTT

Watch Frederick Forsyth's Movies On OTT

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

A must read for a generation that grew up on his novels.

Liquor smuggler goes to Kumbh to wash off sins, arrested

Liquor smuggler goes to Kumbh to wash off sins, arrested

Rediff.com27 Jan 2025

A 22-year-old man wanted for liquor smuggling was arrested in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh during the Maha Kumbh festival. Pravesh Yadav, a resident of Alwar, Rajasthan, had been evading arrest since July 2023 after being involved in a liquor smuggling operation. Police apprehended him during the Maha Kumbh, a major religious event where millions of people gather for ritual bathing at the Sangam. The arrest highlights the effective surveillance measures implemented by the police.

5 hardcore terrorists, including IC-814 mastermind, killed in Op Sindoor

5 hardcore terrorists, including IC-814 mastermind, killed in Op Sindoor

Rediff.com10 May 2025

Sources have revealed that at least five hardcore terrorists affiliated with banned terror outfits Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) were killed in Indian strikes in Pakistan on May 7th. The strikes targeted nine terror sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Among the dead were Mudassar Khadian Khas, a LeT leader, and Hafiz Muhammed Jameel, the brother of JeM founder Maulana Masood Azhar. Other notable casualties included Mohammad Yusuf Azhar, a brother-in-law of Masood Azhar, and Khalid alias Abu Akasha, a LeT operative. The Pakistani military and government officials were present at the funerals of the slain terrorists.

Karnataka govt withdraws CID probe against cops in Ranya Rao case

Karnataka govt withdraws CID probe against cops in Ranya Rao case

Rediff.com13 Mar 2025

The Karnataka government has withdrawn its order directing the Criminal Investigation Department to probe possible lapses and dereliction of duty by police officers at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru in connection with actor Ranya Rao's gold smuggling case. The CID probe order was issued on Monday night. A subsequent order on Wednesday withdrawing the CID investigation stated that Additional Chief Secretary Gaurav Gupta is already probing the possible role of Ranya's stepfather, K Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-rank officer, in the case. Gupta's inquiry will focus on the facts and circumstances leading to the misuse of protocol-related facilities and Rao's involvement in the case. Recently, gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore were seized from Ranya at Kempegowda International Airport here. The next day, officials said, searches were conducted at her residence where gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash were recovered.

Would ILP Have Prevented Raja's Murder?

Would ILP Have Prevented Raja's Murder?

Rediff.com10 Jun 2025

'If inner line permit was in place in Meghalaya, the details of the three people who allegedly murdered Raja would have been on record.'

Retro Review: Yawn!

Retro Review: Yawn!

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Retro is probably Surya's worst film till date, notes A Ganesh Nadar.

Your OTT Menu For May: The Royals, Criminal Justice 4

Your OTT Menu For May: The Royals, Criminal Justice 4

Rediff.com30 Apr 2025

Looking at the OTT releases coming up this summer.

'As He Was Taken To The Gallows, He Proclaimed 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'

'As He Was Taken To The Gallows, He Proclaimed 'Bharat Mata ki Jai'

Rediff.com12 Jun 2025

Standing near the noose, he recited a couplet in which he said he wished nothing but to sacrifice his life for the motherland. Utkarsh Mishra remembers Ram Prasad Bismil on the revolutionary leader's 128th birth anniversary.

FBI director Kash Patel removed as...

FBI director Kash Patel removed as...

Rediff.com10 Apr 2025

Federal Bureau of Investigation Director Kash Patel has reportedly been removed as the interim head of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) by the Trump administration in the US, which has replaced him with Secretary of the Army Dan Driscoll, the Washington Post said on Thursday.

In The Mood For A Deadly Bride On OTT?

In The Mood For A Deadly Bride On OTT?

Rediff.com2 May 2025

Deadly brides, daredevil officers, bloodthirsty royals, killer toys, celebrity chefs, comic book heroes, angry goddesses, senior citizen dreams, poisonous snowfall, the OTT offerings this week will make you wish for days twice the size of its menu.

Non-locals will not be allowed to settle in J-K, says TRF

Non-locals will not be allowed to settle in J-K, says TRF

Rediff.com23 Apr 2025

"More than 85,000 domiciles have been issued to non-locals, creating a pathway for demographic change in Jammu & Kashmir. These non-locals arrive posing as tourists, obtain domiciles, and then begin to act as if they own the land. Consequently, violence will be directed toward those attempting to settle illegally," TRF said in a statement which could not be independently verified by Rediff.

Cow vigilantes beat up 2 men, throw them in canal; 1 dies

Cow vigilantes beat up 2 men, throw them in canal; 1 dies

Rediff.com4 Mar 2025

Two men were beaten up and thrown into a canal in Haryana's Palwal district allegedly by some cow vigilantes, leading to the death of one of the victims. Police have arrested five of the 11 accused. The incident occurred on February 22 when the accused intercepted a truck transporting cattle from Rajasthan to Lucknow on suspicion of cow smuggling. The truck driver and his helper were beaten up and thrown into a canal. While the driver survived, the helper's body was found in the canal on Sunday.

'Police Encounters Were Done To Create Fear'

'Police Encounters Were Done To Create Fear'

Rediff.com2 Jun 2025

'...in the minds of the youth of Assam.' 'Now, no protests happen in Assam because of fear of police encounters.'

Slapped many times, forced to sign papers: Ranya Rao

Slapped many times, forced to sign papers: Ranya Rao

Rediff.com15 Mar 2025

Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya, accused in a gold smuggling case, has alleged that DRI officials assaulted her and forced her to sign blank and typed papers. She claims she was wrongly accused of carrying over 14 kg of gold upon her return from Dubai and was physically abused while in detention. Ranya also alleges that officials threatened to expose her father's identity if she refused to sign fabricated statements.

Babbar Khalsa terrorist wanted to attack Maha Kumbh

Babbar Khalsa terrorist wanted to attack Maha Kumbh

Rediff.com6 Mar 2025

Among the seizures made are three active hand grenades, two active detonators, one foreign-made pistol and 13 cartridges of foreign make, the officer said.

'It's Time To Target The Terror Masterminds'

'It's Time To Target The Terror Masterminds'

Rediff.com7 May 2025

'We should not just react when a terror attack happens on our soil.' 'Our approach should be continuous and a launch pad should be destroyed the moment it comes up.'

Kash Patel likely to become acting ATF chief

Kash Patel likely to become acting ATF chief

Rediff.com23 Feb 2025

Patel has previously worked at the justice department as a trial attorney for three years before taking on roles at the National Security Council, the office of the director of National Intelligence, and the department of defence, the report said.