Kannada actress Ranya Rao caught with 14.8 kg smuggled gold at Bengaluru airport
Kannada actress Ranya Rao caught with 14.8 kg smuggled gold at Bengaluru airport
Kannada actress Ranya Rao was detained by authorities at Bengaluru’s airport on Monday night. She was accused of smuggling gold, and officials discovered 14.8 kilograms of gold in her possession, worth an estimated 12.5 crore rupees. Ranya Rao is known for her role in the film “Maanikya” alongside superstar Sudeep.
Ranya Rao, 33, had been under surveillance by the DRI because of her frequent international travel. Authorities noticed that she had traveled to Dubai four times in just 15 days, which made them suspicious. According to a PTI report, a team of DRI officials intercepted her at Bengaluru’s airport as she arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai. Investigators discovered that Rao had smuggled the gold by wearing a significant amount of it and hiding gold bars in her clothing.
After landing, Rao reportedly claimed to be the daughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police (DGP) and called local police officers to escort her home. This tactic, which she allegedly used to avoid customs checks during previous trips, didn’t work this time.
Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer K. Ramachandra Rao, who currently serves as the Director-General of Police at Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. Authorities are investigating whether any law enforcement officers were involved in her activities or if their assistance was misused without their knowledge.
The DRI is also investigating whether Rao was working alone or as part of a larger smuggling ring operating between Dubai and India. Early evidence suggests that she may have tried to use her connections to avoid being checked at the airport.
After her arrest, Ranya Rao was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru’s HBR Layout for questioning. On Tuesday, she was brought before an economic offenses court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody. Officials are continuing their investigation to determine if this was a one-time incident or part of a larger operation. Ranya Rao has also appeared in Tamil movies like ‘Wagah’.
