Bengaluru: Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested for Smuggling Gold

Bengaluru: Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Monday. The arrest was made for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold bars, worth over Rs 12 crore, from Dubai. Rao is also the daughter of a DGP-rank IPS officer.

According to reports, Rao was held by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) following a tip-off. The arrest occurred while she was flying back from Dubai on an Emirates flight.

Smuggled Gold Concealed in Jacket

Further Investigations into the matter revealed that Rao had made several trips to Dubai within a short period of time. This raised suspicions among the DRI officials of her involvement in illicit activities. The officials stated that Rao hid the gold bars on her person. They believe that she was possibly intending to exploit her connections to bypass customs checks.

According to DRI officials, Rao identified herself as the daughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, Director General of Police in the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. Furthermore, she allegedly attempted to seek police assistance during the security checks.

The actor is said to have smuggled the gold by hiding the bars in her clothing, with a large quantity allegedly concealed inside her jacket.

DRI’s Statement

A DRI statement released on Tuesday said, “Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on her person. The contraband, valued at Rs 12.56 crore, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.”

The statement further added, “Following the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her residential premises located on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. The search resulted in the seizure of gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore.”

Investigation Underway

Meanwhile, the DRI is now investigating whether any law enforcement officers, including Rao’s IPS father, were aware of or assisted in her alleged smuggling activities. After her arrest, Rao was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru’s HBR Layout for further questioning.

The actress, who had also appeared in films like Wagah (2016) and Pataki (2017), was later produced before an economic offences court. The court remanded her to 14 days of judicial custody.