Gold Smuggling: Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended her on Monday night while she was returning from Dubai. The court has sent her to 14 days of judicial custody.
Investigations revealed that Ranya had hidden gold bars in a modified belt and jacket. When the DRI team stopped and searched her, they seized goods worth ₹17.29 crore, including ₹12.56 crore worth of gold, along with some jewelry and cash.
According to an India Today report, Ranya’s frequent trips to Dubai caught the attention of investigating agencies. Over the past few months, she had traveled to Dubai nearly 30 times, allegedly earning ₹12-13 lakh per trip. This raises a crucial question: Who owns this gold, and who was handling its transactions?
During interrogation, Ranya claimed to be the daughter of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who is currently the DGP of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. However, based on prior intelligence, she was searched, leading to the revelation of her smuggling activities.
Ranya’s father, Ramachandra Rao, stated that he learned about the incident through the media and was shocked. He said, "I had no knowledge of this case. She does not live with us; she stays separately with her husband. The law will take its course, and this will not affect my career."
Authorities are now investigating other potential connections in this case. They are examining whether Ranya was part of a larger smuggling network or if she was operating independently.