Bengaluru actor Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport after 14 kg of gold worth Rs 14.56 crore was seized. She made 27 trips to Dubai within a year, prompting investigation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), which linked her to a gold smuggling network. Rao allegedly received significant commissions for smuggling gold, concealing it in her clothing. Searches at her home yielded gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. Her stepfather, an IPS officer, expressed shock and stated he was unaware of her dealings, as investigations continued into her connections and possible larger smuggling operations.
Bengaluru:
Kannada actress Ranya Rao was detained after authorities confiscated 14 kg of gold bars valued at Rs 14.56 crore from her at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru; she reportedly traveled to Dubai 27 times within a year. According to officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), this 14.2 kg seizure marks one of the most significant gold finds at Bengaluru airport in recent history.
On Monday night, Ms. Rao, who is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, was arrested by DRI officers. The agency, functioning under the Ministry of Finance, had been tracking her movements due to her numerous trips to Dubai.
During the hearing regarding her bail petition, Customs requested a four-day custody period for the 33-year-old actress. Her lawyer opposed this, stating that Ranya Rao had been placed in judicial custody from March 4 to March 18 as the DRI had no further inquiries for her. “Now that she has filed for bail, the Customs department requires her custody,” the lawyer mentioned. The court has postponed its decision on the custody until tomorrow.
‘Commission Ranging In Lakhs For Smuggling 1 Kg Of Gold’
The investigation has indicated that Ms. Rao was connected to a gold smuggling operation, earning substantial commissions for transporting goods from Dubai to Bengaluru, as reported by the Indo-Asian News Service. Allegedly, the actress received between Rs 4 lakh and Rs 5 lakh as commission for smuggling a kilogram of gold from Dubai to Bengaluru, according to the report.
Following the gold seizure at Bengaluru airport, searches at Ranya Rao’s residence uncovered gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency totaling Rs 2.67 crore, as stated by the DRI on Wednesday.
“After the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her home on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. This search resulted in the recovery of gold jewelry worth Rs 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs 2.67 crore,” the DRI reported.
“Devastated And Shocked”
The actor’s stepfather has distanced himself from the case, expressing he was unaware of Ms. Rao and her husband’s business activities, emphasizing that the legal process would unfold as required.
“Like any concerned father, I was shocked and devastated when I first learned of this matter through the media. I was not informed about any of these actions. I prefer not to make further comments,” Mr. Rao said.
He also clarified that Ms. Rao does not live with him. “She resides separately with her husband. There may be issues between them… (possibly) due to some family matters,” he added.
Mr. Rao currently holds the position of Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.
‘Four Trips To Dubai In Just 15 Days’
On Monday, Ms. Rao returned from Dubai on an Emirates flight. Authorities became suspicious after noting her four trips to Dubai within just 15 days, leading to a focused operation upon her arrival.
Investigators disclosed that she allegedly smuggled gold by wearing a large amount of it and hiding gold bars within her clothing.
Further investigations suggest that she “exploited her connections” to evade security at the airport.
She was brought before a special court designed for financial crimes, which has placed her in judicial custody until March 18.
Authorities are exploring whether she acted independently or was part of a broader smuggling syndicate operating between Dubai and India.
Ranya Rao, who has starred in several South Indian movies, appeared alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep in the film ‘Maanikya’ in 2014.