Kannada actor Ranya Rao is arrested in connection with a gold smuggling racket. The investigation by multiple agencies targets a wide network.

Actor Ranya Rao's Arrest: Gold Smuggling Unveiled

Kannada actor Ranya Rao is arrested in a gold smuggling case, leading to an investigation by ED, DRI, and CBI. The probe aims to dismantle the intricate smuggling network.

Kannada actor Ranya Rao is arrested for smuggling gold, triggering a probe by multiple agencies into the intricate network involved.

In a significant crackdown on an alleged gold smuggling racket, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a money laundering case following the arrest of Kannada actor Ranya Rao.
The actor was apprehended with 14.2 kg of gold at Bengaluru Airport, triggering a multi-agency investigation into the intricate smuggling network involved.
The ED has initiated a money laundering probe, leading to searches at eight locations across Karnataka.
Meanwhile, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) raided nine sites in Bengaluru, including properties linked to Ranya Rao's husband, Jatin Vijaykumar Hukkeri.
The investigation into this high-profile case involves three major agencies.
The DRI is examining Ranya Rao's involvement, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is investigating the broader smuggling network, and the ED is focusing on potential money laundering via Hawala channels.
The 33-year-old actor, who is the stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, was intercepted last week at Bengaluru Airport carrying gold not just in her luggage but also concealed within her clothing.
Her frequent Dubai trips&mdash;four in just 15 days&mdash;had aroused suspicions, leading to the interception and subsequent search of her residence. Authorities recovered gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore from her home.
According to officials, Ranya Rao was reportedly part of an extensive smuggling operation, earning Rs 4-5 lakh for every kilogram of gold smuggled from Dubai.
During interrogation, she revealed that she received instructions via an internet call to collect the gold at Dubai International Airport. She met an unidentified man in a white gown at the airport lounge, who handed her the gold wrapped in thick plastic.
She then concealed the gold on her body before boarding her flight to Bengaluru on March 3.
The DRI disclosed that Ranya Rao was able to pass through airport security with the assistance of a protocol officer complicit in the smuggling racket. However, her luck ran out as revenue officials stopped her mere feet away from the airport exit.
Ranya Rao remains in DRI custody, which has been extended until March 24, as the investigation continues to unravel the complexities of the smuggling network and those complicit in this illegal enterprise.

Holi restrictions at Shantiniketan's fair stir political controversy between BJP and TMC with claims of cultural curbs.

Holi Restrictions at Shantiniketan Spark Controversy

A poster at Shantiniketan's fair restricting Holi colors ignites a political clash. BJP accuses TMC of cultural bans as the forest minister clarifies it as an environmental advisory.

Shantiniketan's fair faces controversy with a poster barring Holi colors, sparking political drama between BJP and TMC.

A poster restricting the use of colors at Shantiniketan&rsquo;s famous artisan fair, Sonajhuri Haat, has ignited a political controversy in West Bengal.
The situation intensified as the celebration coincides with Holi, a vibrant festival marking the arrival of spring. Shantiniketan, the renowned residential community founded by Nobel laureate Rabindranath Tagore, lies about 180 km from Kolkata.
The poster, which went viral, reads in Bengali: "Reserved forest area: Playing with colours, car parking, videography and drone camera usage are prohibited."
This sparked accusations from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), claiming that the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) was effectively banning Holi celebrations.
Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal assembly, alleged this was not an isolated case but part of a larger trend of governmental appeasement.
He noted perceived police interference during Holi, citing past instances such as a 2025 police station initiative coinciding with Ramzan and alleged directives to wrap up the Basanta Utsav celebrations by 10 am in Shantiniketan.
Basanta Utsav, overlapping with Holi and Dol Jatra, is a distinctive celebration initiated by Tagore in the 1920s. It fuses cultural events with the joy of spring.
State Forest Minister Birbaha Hansda refuted claims of restrictions on playing Holi, maintaining the poster was merely an environmental advisory.
She accused the BJP of politicizing the issue, asserting, "There is no restriction. If anyone wants to play Holi, they can." She also called for a report from the District Forest Officer to further investigate the matter.
As the situation unfolds, the political discourse continues to grow heated ahead of the upcoming Holi festival.

Rahul Gandhi condemns exam paper leaks, calling it a systematic failure threatening millions. He urges political unity to address this critical issue, eyeing education reform.

Rahul Gandhi Urges Action Against Exam Paper Leaks

Confronting paper leaks, Rahul Gandhi calls for cross-party efforts to tackle this critical issue affecting millions of students, emphasizing the need for education reform.

Rahul Gandhi condemns exam paper leaks, urging for cross-party collaboration to combat this systematic failure, stressing its impact on 8.5 million students.

Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said examination paper leaks were a "systematic failure" and asserted that the "serious problem" would be eradicated only when all political parties and governments forget their differences to take strict steps together.
The former Congress chief said the future of 85 lakh children in six states is at risk as paper leak has become the most dangerous "padmavyuh" for our youth.
"Paper leaks put hardworking students and their families into uncertainty and stress, taking away the fruits of their hard work. It also sends the wrong message to the next generation that dishonesty can be better than hard work, which is completely unacceptable," he said in a post in Hindi on X.
"It has not even been a year since the NEET paper leak shook the country.After our protest, the Modi government hid behind a new law and called it a solution, but so many recent leaks have proven that to be a failure as well," he said.
This serious problem is a systematic failure, Gandhi asserted.
It will be eradicated only when all political parties and governments forget their differences and take strict steps together, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.
"The dignity of these exams is the right of our children and it has to be protected at all costs," Gandhi asserted.
Using the 'chakravyuh' metaphor as a leitmotif, Gandhi had last year claimed that an atmosphere of fear prevails all around with a group of six trapping the entire country in a 'chakravyuh' he promised would be broken by the INDIA bloc.
Chakravyuh' refers to a multi-layered military formation aimed at trapping a warrior by opponents placed strategically in an alignment resembling a lotus-shaped labyrinth.
Gandhi had said the 'chakravyuh' is also called a 'padmavyuh' for its resemblance to a lotus (BJP's election symbol) formation.

Punjab government to develop an online portal for tracking paddy seeds, ensuring transparency and stopping the sale of uncertified seeds.

Online portal to combat sale & purchase of uncertified paddy seeds in Punjab soon

Punjab government to develop an online portal for tracking paddy seeds, ensuring transparency and stopping the sale of uncertified seeds.

In a major step to curb the sale of uncertified seeds in Punjab, the Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Department has been directed to develop an online portal within a month to track and trace paddy seeds.
The portal will require registered seed producers to log details of every paddy seed transaction, including purchases, sales, and quantities, ensuring a transparent and accountable seed supply chain.
During a high-level meeting with sheller owners and officials from the Agriculture and Food &amp; Civil Supplies departments, it was emphasized that strict monitoring of the seed supply chain is crucial.
&ldquo;This initiative is a testament to our commitment to safeguarding the interests of our farmers and ensuring the quality of Punjab's agricultural produce,&rdquo; said the Agriculture Minister. Officials were instructed to ensure that PAU-recommended quality paddy seeds are readily available to farmers.
It was reiterated that no one will be allowed to exploit farmers by selling substandard and uncertified paddy seeds, which lead to lower yields and financial losses. Uncertified seeds often lack genetic vigor and disease resistance, resulting in stunted growth, reduced grain production, and increased susceptibility to pests and diseases. These issues also create challenges for the sheller industry in milling paddy into rice, impacting overall production and market value.
The introduction of the online portal is expected to enhance transparency and accountability in the seed supply chain, contributing to a more sustainable and productive agricultural sector. Eliminating uncertified seeds will help improve crop yields, boost agricultural productivity, and enhance consumer confidence in Punjab&rsquo;s rice quality.
PAU-Recommended Paddy Seed Varieties
Farmers are encouraged to purchase paddy seed varieties recommended by PAU, Ludhiana, and obtain proper receipts and bills for seeds and other agricultural inputs. PAU has recommended 11 varieties of paddy, including PR 131, PR 130, PR 129, PR 128, HKR 47, PR 127, PR 126, PR 122, PR 121, PR 114, and PR 113.
Officials present at the meeting included the Director of Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Special Secretary of Agriculture, and the Director of Agriculture.

Punjab AGTF, in a joint operation with Moga Police, arrested gangster Malkit Singh alias Manu after an exchange of fire, recovering weapons.

Punjab Police arrests gangster after brief encounter in Moga

Punjab AGTF, in a joint operation with Moga Police, arrested gangster Malkit Singh alias Manu after an exchange of fire, recovering weapons.

In a significant breakthrough against organized crime, the Punjab Police&rsquo;s Anti-Gangster Task Force (AGTF), in a joint operation with Moga Police, arrested an operative linked to foreign-based gangsters Gaurav alias Lucky Patyal and Davinderpal Singh alias Gopi Lahoria of the Davinder Bambiha Gang. The operation, conducted in Moga city, resulted in the capture of the accused after a brief exchange of fire, said Punjab Director General of Police (DGP) Gaurav Yadav on Wednesday.
The arrested individual has been identified as Malkit Singh alias Manu, a resident of Dosanjh Talwandi in Moga. Police teams recovered a .32 caliber pistol along with four cartridges from his possession.
DGP Gaurav Yadav revealed that Manu, an active member of the Davinder Bambiha Gang, has a criminal record with at least seven cases registered against him, including murder, attempted murder, violations under the NDPS Act, and the Arms Act.
He further stated that on the orders of jailed gangster Dharminder Baji, Malkit Singh alias Manu, along with his accomplice Manpreet Singh alias Mani, carried out an attack on a rival in Kapura village, Moga, on February 19, 2025. The attack resulted in one fatality, while a woman sustained a bullet injury. Additionally, Manu was involved in a firing incident at Raja Dhaba in Jagraon on February 26, 2025, which was orchestrated by foreign-based gangster Lucky Patial.
DGP Yadav confirmed that investigations are ongoing to uncover further links in the case.
Providing details of the operation, Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) AGTF Promod Ban stated that based on human and technical intelligence, special AGTF teams, under the supervision of AIG Gurmeet Chauhan and DSP Bikramjit Brar, tracked down the accused at a rented accommodation near Dosanjh Road, Moga.
During the raid, Manu attempted to evade arrest by opening fire at the police, prompting the team to retaliate. He sustained bullet injuries in the exchange and was initially admitted to a local hospital before being referred to Baba Farid Medical College in Faridkot for further treatment.
ADGP Ban added that a .32 caliber pistol with four cartridges was recovered from Manu&rsquo;s possession.
AIG Gurmeet Chauhan stated that preliminary investigations suggest Manu was assigned to execute a high-profile crime in the Tricity area on behalf of his foreign-based handlers, Lucky Patyal and Gopi Lahoria.
Meanwhile, SSP Moga Ajay Gandhi confirmed that a fresh FIR (No. 52) dated 12/3/2025 has been registered under sections 109, 132, 221, and 111 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and sections 25(6) and 25(7) of the Arms Act at Police Station City Moga. Further investigations are underway.

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar directs officials to enhance bus services, expedite BS-6 bus purchases, and improve transport infrastructure.

Punjab government to ensure bus service on every route in the state

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar directs officials to enhance bus services, expedite BS-6 bus purchases, and improve transport infrastructure.

Punjab Transport Minister Laljit Singh Bhullar has instructed transport department officials to ensure government bus services operate on all routes across the state.
During a review meeting of Punjab Roadways/PUNBUS, PRTC, and the State Transport Commissioner's office, Bhullar emphasized the need to speed up the procurement of new buses. He urged officials to meet departmental targets on time and implement measures to enhance government revenue.
The minister directed the officials to acquire new BS-6 stage buses, as per guidelines that only BS-6 buses are allowed to operate at Delhi Airport to curb pollution. He also insisted that the tender process for bus procurement be completed without delay.
Bhullar stressed the importance of maintaining and cleaning bus stands statewide. He emphasized that public transport services should be made more efficient, and service delivery should be time-bound to benefit passengers.
Key officials present at the meeting included PRTC Vice Chairman Balwinder Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Transport D.K. Tiwari, STC Jaspreet Singh, and MD PUNBUS Rajiv Kumar Gupta.

Punjab farmers face a crisis as cheap US apple imports threaten local markets. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan demands urgent protective tariffs.

Punjab speaker urges action against cheap US apple imports

Punjab farmers face a crisis as cheap US apple imports threaten local markets. Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan demands urgent protective tariffs.

Farmers in Jammu &amp; Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are facing a serious crisis due to the impending U.S. reciprocal tariffs, which could result in a surge of cheap American apple imports into Indian markets.&nbsp;
The Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union (KVFGU) has raised concerns, warning that this influx could severely impact Indian apple growers by reducing market opportunities, driving down prices, and threatening the livelihoods of over 7 lakh farming families.
Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan has called on the Government of India to take immediate action to safeguard Indian farmers. He emphasized the need for Protective Counter-Tariffs, advocating for equal import duties on U.S. apples to maintain fair competition.&nbsp;
He also stressed the importance of Immediate Economic Relief, urging financial support for farmers to prevent income losses and sustain production.
Additionally, he highlighted the need for Pro-Farmer Trade Negotiations, ensuring that the interests of Indian farmers remain a priority in trade discussions with the U.S. Strengthening Agricultural Infrastructure, including modernized storage, transportation, and better market access, was another key demand to enhance the competitiveness of Indian apples.
Kultar Singh Sandhwan reaffirmed, "Our farmers are the backbone of India&rsquo;s economy. Their sweat and toil nourish the nation. It is unacceptable for them to suffer at the hands of international trade wars. If the Government does not step in, we are at risk of losing not only livelihoods but also generations of agricultural heritage."
He further stressed, "Cheap foreign imports may benefit a few traders, but they will devastate countless small and marginal farmers. We cannot let profit-driven policies crush the hands that feed us."
Emphasizing the broader implications, he added, "This is not just about apples, it&rsquo;s about standing up for every Indian farmer. The Government must ensure our farmers get fair prices, fair markets, and a fair future. I stand with our farmers, and I urge the government to do the same, without delay."

Punjab State Election Commission announces Gram Panchayat elections for 16 villages in Patiala on March 30, 2025, with nominations starting March 17.

Punjab SEC issues the programme for General Elections to elect the members of 16 Gram Panchayats

Punjab State Election Commission announces Gram Panchayat elections for 16 villages in Patiala on March 30, 2025, with nominations starting March 17.

The Punjab State Election Commission has announced that the General Election for 16 Gram Panchayats in Block Sanour, District Patiala, will be held on March 30, 2025 (Sunday).
An official spokesperson of the Commission stated that the nomination process will commence on March 17, 2025 (Monday) from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., with March 20, 2025 (Thursday) set as the last date for filing nominations until 3 p.m.&nbsp;
The scrutiny of nominations will take place on March 21, 2025 (Friday), while March 22, 2025 (Saturday) is the deadline for withdrawal of nominations until 3 p.m. Polling, if required, will be conducted on March 30, 2025 (Sunday).
The spokesperson further mentioned that the counting of votes will be conducted immediately after polling at the respective polling stations, and the election process will be completed by April 1, 2025 (Tuesday).
The formal notification regarding the election schedule will be issued on March 17, 2025. Additionally, the District Election Officer-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Patiala has been instructed to ensure all necessary arrangements for a smooth and fair electoral process.&nbsp;
The Model Code of Conduct will come into effect from the date of notification within the jurisdiction of the 16 Gram Panchayats in Block Sanour, District Patiala.

Punjab Minister Mohinder Bhagat reviews welfare plans to support freedom fighters' families, ensuring benefits, recognition, and dignified tributes.

Punjab government committed to honour freedom fighters and their families: Mohinder Bhagat

Punjab Minister Mohinder Bhagat reviews welfare plans to support freedom fighters' families, ensuring benefits, recognition, and dignified tributes.

Reaffirming its commitment to honoring freedom fighters and their families, Punjab&rsquo;s Cabinet Minister for Freedom Fighters, Mohinder Bhagat, led a high-level meeting with senior officials to review existing welfare initiatives and outline future plans for their well-being.
The Minister highlighted that the state government, under Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann&rsquo;s leadership, remains dedicated to safeguarding the dignity and interests of freedom fighters and their dependents. He instructed officials to ensure their concerns are addressed on priority in government offices.
During the meeting, Special Chief Secretary of the Department of Freedom Fighters, Raji P. Srivastava, provided an overview of various welfare schemes. Key discussions also included plans to honor freedom fighters at public events and the establishment of a formal protocol for paying tributes on their death anniversaries.
The Minister directed officials to accelerate these efforts, ensuring that all eligible families receive government benefits without any delays.
Among the key attendees were Secretary, Department of Freedom Fighters, Gagandeep Singh Brar, Joint Secretary Lovejeet Kalsi, Superintendent Suman Lata, and other senior officials.

Delhi High Court orders removal of videos alleging misconduct by Isha Foundation. The ruling highlights the tension between freedom of expression and protection against defamation, crucial in the digital age.

Court Orders Removal of Defamatory Isha Videos

Delhi High Court mandates the takedown of defamatory content against Isha Foundation. The ruling underscores the delicate balance between free expression and reputation protection.

Delhi High Court orders removal of defamatory content against Isha Foundation by YouTuber Singh over unverified claims.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered pulling down from online platforms videos and content published by YouTuber Shyam Meera Singh against spiritual guru Sadhguru's Isha Foundation.
Justice Subramonium Prasad said the continuous circulation of the YouTube video, having a "clickbait" title, was likely to cause harm to the trust's reputation, and restrained Singh from further publishing his allegations.
The judge, in an interim order on Isha Foundation's lawsuit, directed X (formerly Twitter), Meta and Google to remove the alleged defamatory content against the foundation of Jagadish "Jaggi" Vasudev aka Sadhguru.
The court prima facie said Singh chose to make the video based on "entirely unverified material" and restrained members of the public from uploading sharing it on social media platforms till the next hearing in May.
Before uploading the video, he published tweets and posts to promote the same, the court said.
"Till now more than 9 lakh views have already been garnered on the said video and more than 13,500 comments have been received. What is more interesting is that the title of the video is 'Sadhguru EXPOSED: What's happening in Jaggi Vasudev's Ashram?'" The order added, "The title is a clickbait and this court is of prima facie opinion that the said title has been given only to attract attention." While restraining Singh from publishing further, the court ordered the social media platforms to bring down the defamatory video and all content emanating from it.
Isha Foundation's counsel said the video uploaded on February 24 showed Singh make "false, reckless, baseless and per se defamatory" allegations against the trust, including sexual abuse against children, without any basis.
He argued Singh claimed the basis of his video were certain emails sent by persons associated with the Foundation, but their veracity was not authenticated.
"We said the emails were fabricated and false. Reputation built over decades can't be dismantled like this," the counsel said.
Reputation was an integral part of the dignity of each individual, the court said, and there was a need to strike a balance between freedom of speech, freedom of expression vis-a-vis the right to reputation.
"If the video is not taken down immediately, the complainant/trust will suffer loss of reputation which cannot be compensated monetarily," it added.

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A militant involved in the recent civilian killings in Srinagar was gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, police said.
Security forces received information about the presence of militants in the Wahibug area of Pulwama, following which a cordon and search operation there, they said.
The slain ultra, identified as Shahid Bashir Sheikh, was involved in the killing of Mohammad Shafi Dar on October 2, according to the J&amp;K police.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, another encounter broke out in the Bemina area of Srinagar on Friday evening in which a militant was killed.&nbsp;
Kashmir IGP&nbsp;Vijay&nbsp;Kumar&nbsp;said that 8 encounters have taken place since the attack on civilians and 11 militants have been killed so far.&nbsp;

Militant involved in J&K civilian killings gunned down in Pulwama

A militant involved in the recent civilian killings in Srinagar was gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, police said.

The slain ultra, identified as Shahid Bashir Sheikh, was involved in the killing of Mohammad Shafi Dar on October 2, according to the J&amp;K police.&nbsp;

A militant involved in the recent civilian killings in Srinagar was gunned down in an encounter with security forces in Pulwama district of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday, police said.
Security forces received information about the presence of militants in the Wahibug area of Pulwama, following which a cordon and search operation there, they said.
The slain ultra, identified as Shahid Bashir Sheikh, was involved in the killing of Mohammad Shafi Dar on October 2, according to the J&amp;K police.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, another encounter broke out in the Bemina area of Srinagar on Friday evening in which a militant was killed.&nbsp;
Kashmir IGP&nbsp;Vijay&nbsp;Kumar&nbsp;said that 8 encounters have taken place since the attack on civilians and 11 militants have been killed so far.&nbsp;

Hansraj, 25, was strangled in Dausa, Rajasthan, after resisting Holi colors, sparking a protest demanding justice and compensation for his family.

Young Man Strangled Over Holi Dispute in Rajasthan

In Dausa, Rajasthan, 25-year-old Hansraj was strangled after a Holi dispute, leading to protests demanding justice and compensation for his family.

In Rajasthan's Dausa, 25-year-old Hansraj was strangled to death after resisting Holi colors. Family protested for justice.

In a tragic incident in Rajasthan's Dausa district, a 25-year-old man named Hansraj was allegedly strangled to death after attempting to prevent three men from applying Holi colours on him. The incident occurred on Wednesday evening in Ralwas village, authorities have confirmed.
According to police reports, Ashok, Bablu, and Kaluram approached Hansraj at a local library, where he was busy preparing for competitive exams, to celebrate Holi by smearing him with colours. Hansraj, however, resisted their attempts, leading to a violent confrontation. In a shocking turn of events, the trio reportedly kicked him, beat him with belts, and ultimately strangled him, as stated by Additional Superintendent of Police, Dinesh Agarwal.
In the aftermath of this brutal incident, enraged family members and villagers gathered to protest, displaying Hansraj&rsquo;s body and blocking a national highway in the process. The demonstration, seeking justice for Hansraj, continued until early Thursday morning.
Protesters have demanded a compensation of Rs 50 lakh for Hansraj's family, alongside a government job for a family member. They have also called for the immediate arrest of the suspects involved in the tragic incident.
The highway was finally cleared following assurances from the police that action would be taken against those responsible for this heinous crime.

President Murmu's Holi message highlights unity and diversity. She wishes joy and prosperity, underscoring Holi as a triumph of good over evil. Spread love and positivity this festive season.

President Murmu's Holi Message Celebrates Unity

On Holi's eve, President Murmu's message stresses unity and diversity in India. She emphasizes the festival's joy and the triumph of good over evil, spreading love and positivity for a prosperous celebration.

President Murmu's Holi greeting emphasizes unity and diversity, celebrating India's rich culture. She wishes all a joyous festival, highlighting Holi's symbolism of good over evil and urging the spread of love and positivity.

President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday conveyed her greetings to the fellow citizens on the eve of Holi, saying the festival of colours nurtures the spirit of unity and brotherhood and reflects the values of unity in diversity.
In a message, Murmu extended her warm greetings and best wishes to all Indians living in India and abroad, and said Holi brings along happiness and enthusiasm.
"This festival nurtures the spirit of unity and brotherhood in our lives. The diverse colours of Holi reflect the values of unity in diversity. This festival also symbolises the triumph of good over evil. It teaches us to spread love and positivity around us.
"May this festival of colours fill your lives with joy and prosperity,&rdquo; she said.

Actor Ranya Rao has been arrested for allegedly smuggling 14 kg of gold from Dubai to India, raising concerns about a potential wider smuggling network.

Ranya Rao Arrested for Gold Smuggling

The arrest of actor Ranya Rao for allegedly smuggling 14 kg gold from Dubai highlights potential links to a larger network, according to investigators.

Actor Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, arrested for allegedly smuggling 14 kg of gold from Dubai, highlighting VIP protocol abuse.

Actor Ranya Rao, best known for her debut in the 2014 Kannada film 'Maanikya', has come under the spotlight for her alleged involvement in a gold smuggling operation from Dubai.
Detained at Bengaluru airport on March 3, Rao was found with 14 kg of gold discreetly hidden in her clothing, raising suspicions of a broader smuggling syndicate.
Court documents opposing her bail reveal that Rao, stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, meticulously planned her smuggling attempt.
Allegedly, she learned how to conceal gold by watching YouTube tutorials. She claimed during interrogation that she was instructed via an internet call to pick up the gold at Dubai International Airport.
According to the documents, at the airport's dining lounge, Rao met a man described as six feet tall with a wheatish complexion and an American accent.
He handed over two packets wrapped in a thick tarpaulin-like material, containing the smuggled gold.
Rao demonstrated forethought by purchasing adhesive tape from a nearby store, pre-cutting the tape given the lack of scissors at the airport.
After receiving the gold, Rao proceeded to a washroom to conceal it. Following online tips, she wrapped the gold bars around her calves and waist using the tape and hid smaller pieces in her shoes and pockets.
Upon arriving in Bengaluru on an Emirates flight, she reportedly bypassed security with assistance from a protocol officer allegedly complicit in the racket, according to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
The protocol officer, Basappa Billur, testified that he had been instructed by Ramachandra Rao, Ranya's stepfather, to provide protocol assistance for his family members, indicating prior connections.
Ranya Rao's frequent travels drew scrutiny, with the DRI noting 27 trips to Dubai in the last six months, including four within a mere 15-day window.
Her movements and subsequent apprehension have now led to widespread investigations, as authorities delve deeper into potential ties to a larger smuggling network.
The case highlights ongoing challenges in combating smuggling through airport protocols and the methods employed by those seeking to evade detection.

Ahead of its budget, Tamil Nadu prioritizes its language by updating the state logo—emphasizing Tamil symbolism over the previously used Devanagari rupee symbol—amid language policy disputes with the Central government.

Tamil Nadu Logo Change: Tamil Symbol Takes Lead

Ahead of its budget, Tamil Nadu highlights Tamil in its state logo, marking a cultural statement amid language policy debates with the Center.

Tamil Nadu updates its state logo to highlight Tamil as its budget nears, reflecting language policy opposition.

As Tamil Nadu gears up for its budget presentation on March 14, the state government has made a significant change to its official logo by replacing the Devanagari-scripted rupee symbol with the Tamil representation for rupees.
This updated emblem, which carries the message &lsquo;Ellorkkum Ellaam&rsquo; (Everything for Everyone), was unveiled by Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M.K. Stalin&rsquo;s office on Thursday.
Last year, the logo prominently featured the rupee symbol in Devanagari script.
According to a source from the Chief Minister&rsquo;s Office, this year's design emphasizes the importance of the Tamil language. DMK spokesperson Savaranan Annadurai confirmed, "We just wanted to give importance to Tamil this year."
The alteration comes amidst a simmering conflict between the Tamil Nadu government and the Central government concerning the three-language policy.
Tamil Nadu adheres to a two-language policy of Tamil and English and opposes the addition of Hindi, viewing it as an imposition on Tamil citizens. The state also contests the National Education Policy's endorsement of the three-language formula.
A government insider disclosed that the decision to alter the logo was made by the budget committee, led by Finance Minister Thangam Tennarasu. A DMK leader commented on the motivation behind the logo change: "When our language and civilization are being ridiculed even in Parliament, should we not strive to preserve it?" This statement seemingly references Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's alleged derogatory remarks about Tamil Nadu MPs in the Lok Sabha on March 10. Arun Nehru, a DMK MP, stated, "The minister insulted not just DMK MPs but the Tamil people."
Chief Minister Stalin personally approved the logo decision, as per sources. Amid ongoing language disputes, the source emphasized, "There is an ongoing language tussle. The Centre should acknowledge this. We do not want Hindi imposition on any front."
Interestingly, the rupee symbol originally replaced was crafted by D. Udaya Kumar, whose father is a DMK MLA. Udaya Kumar is currently at the helm of the design department at IIT Guwahati. The symbol, endorsed by the UPA government while under the stewardship of then-Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee, was officially adopted in 2010.

Mumbai court cautions SP MLA Abu Azmi over sensitive Aurangzeb remarks, granting bail but highlighting risks of unrest.

Court Warns Abu Azmi: Caution Advised in Remarks

A Mumbai court grants SP MLA Abu Azmi anticipatory bail but emphasizes caution in public remarks to prevent unrest.

A Mumbai court grants SP MLA Abu Azmi bail but urges caution in his public remarks on Aurangzeb to avoid unrest.

Samajwadi Party MLA Abu Azmi has been cautioned by a Mumbai court to exercise restraint during interviews as any &ldquo;irresponsible&rdquo; statement by a senior politician like him can spark riots.
Additional Sessions Judge V G Raghuwanshi schooled Azmi while granting him anticipatory bail on Tuesday in a case filed against the SP legislator for his remarks praising Mughal ruler Aurangzeb.
The offence concerns some statements made during an interview and it means police do not need custody for seizure of any article or interrogation, the court said in the order, a copy of which was made available on Thursday.
Noting that Azmi is a politician and businessman and it was improbable that he would run away from the course of justice, the judge said it was a &ldquo;fit case to exercise discretion&rdquo; in his favour.
&ldquo;Before parting with the order I would like to caution the applicant (Azmi) to exercise restraint on himself while giving interviews, having regards to prevailing circumstances. Any irresponsible statement can flare riots and create law and order problems,&rdquo; the court said.
&ldquo;I hope the applicant, being a senior politician, will understand his responsibility,&rdquo; it added.
The case was registered last week against the MLA, who represents the Mankhurd-Shivaji Nagar constituency in the metropolis, under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) over his remarks eulogising the medieval-era Mughal emperor.
He was booked under BNS sections 299 (deliberate and malicious act insulting the religious beliefs of any group of people), 302 (hurting someone's religious feelings) and 356(2)(defamation).
Azmi, who is also the Samajwadi Party&rsquo;s Maharashtra unit president, had said while talking to the media that during Aurangzeb&rsquo;s reign, India&rsquo;s borders reached Afghanistan and Burma (Myanmar).
&ldquo;Our GDP (gross domestic product) accounted for 24 per cent (of world GDP) and India was called a golden sparrow,&rdquo; the opposition legislator had claimed.
Asked about the fight between Aurangzeb and Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, Azmi had termed it a political battle.
The remarks were made in the backdrop of the blockbuster Hindi film &lsquo;Chhaava&rsquo;, based on the life of Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, who was captured by Aurangzeb&rsquo;s commander in 1689. Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj and his father, legendary Maratha king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, are highly revered figures in Maharashtra.
Seeking anticipatory bail, Azmi, who has been suspended from the Maharashtra legislative assembly till March 26, submitted in the court that his statements were made to the press &ldquo;spontaneously without any premeditated intention to insult any personality or hurt the religious feelings of any person&rdquo;.
Azmi&rsquo;s lawyer Mubin Solkar had submitted before the court that the FIR did not disclose any offence against the SP legislator.
&ldquo;The allegations didn&rsquo;t show he had made the statements, deliberately and with malicious intentions of outraging religious sentiments,&rdquo; Solkar had argued.
The prosecution had opposed his plea, saying that after the release of a movie, religious sentiments of people are volatile and in such circumstances the applicant made controversial statements in his interview.
After hearing both sides, the court said that the investigation was at the primary stage and &ldquo;therefore it will not be fair to comment upon the interview given by the applicant&rdquo;.
Further, the judge said that he was surprised to hear that the investigating officer did not have the video recording of the alleged interview till &ldquo;today&rdquo; and he registered an offence without watching it.

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