New Delhi, March 8 -- Kannada actress Ranya Rao, who was recently arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold, was part of a syndicate, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has told the special court.

The DRI in its affidavit said the actress tried to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold valued at Rs.12.56 crore by concealing the gold on her person, and trying to evade customs duty to the tune of Rs.4.83 crore.

The court observed that the DRI investigation revealed "the existence of a syndicate to commit an offence by misusing the protocols".

It also noted that the alleged modus operandi used by the actress to smuggle the 14.2 kg of gold illegally into India was "by wrapping the gold bars with the help of crepe bandage and tissues aro...