In a dramatic turn of events linked to a high-profile gold smuggling case, the Karnataka High Court has granted temporary relief to Jatin Vijayakumar Hukkeri, the husband of Kannada actress Ranya Rao. The court directed the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) to refrain from arresting Hukkeri, who claims to be an innocent bystander entangled in the legal chaos surrounding his wife’s alleged crimes.
Ranya Rao, who was arrested earlier this month, stands accused of smuggling 14.2 kilograms of gold valued at ₹12.86 crores through VIP airport exits. Reports suggest the actress concealed the contraband in custom-made belts and jackets to bypass inspections. Her alleged misuse of VVIP privileges has further fueled controversy, especially given her connections as the stepdaughter of a senior police officer.
Allegations of Harassment and Legal Missteps
Hukkeri petitioned the court, alleging harassment by DRI officials who he claimed summoned him without formal procedures. According to his plea, he was subjected to lengthy interrogations, home and office raids lasting over 15 hours, and even physical intimidation. On one occasion, he was reportedly detained from 7:30 PM to 3:00 AM without prior notice or justification.
The High Court, presided over by Justice Hemant Chandangoudar, cautioned the DRI against bypassing due process in their investigations. While emphasizing Hukkeri’s obligation to cooperate with the probe, the court ensured that no drastic measures would be taken against him before the next hearing on March 17.
The Fallout
The case against Ranya Rao has already led to substantial seizures, including ₹2.06 crore in jewelry and ₹2.67 crore in cash from her residence. These developments bring the total value of confiscated assets in the case to ₹17.29 crores. Currently, Rao is in judicial custody following an initial remand with the DRI.
Hukkeri, who married Rao in November 2024, has maintained his innocence, asserting that he has no involvement in the alleged smuggling operations. His legal team has decried the DRI’s actions as coercive and in violation of procedural norms.
As the legal battle unfolds, the spotlight remains fixed on the intersection of celebrity, privilege, and accountability, with the next hearing promising further revelations.
