Kannada actress Ranya Rao arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Tuesday, March 4, for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg gold worth Rs 12.5 crore from Dubai. She was apprehended on Monday night, and presented before an economic offence court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody.
According to officials, Rao had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight and had been under surveillance due to her frequent international travel. Investigators revealed that she had allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing a significant portion of it and concealing gold bars in her clothing. Authorities grew suspicious after noticing that she had travelled to Dubai four times in 15 days, prompting a targeted operation upon her return. Preliminary investigations suggest that the actress may have attempted to use her connections to bypass customs checks.
Reports indicate that upon landing, she allegedly claimed to be the daughter of Karnataka's Director General of Police and contacted local police personnel to escort her home. Officials are now probing whether any law enforcement officers, including her IPS relative, were aware of her activities or were misled into assisting her. After her arrest, Rao was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru's HBR Layout for questioning.
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Authorities are investigating whether she was acting alone or was part of a larger smuggling network operating between Dubai and India. Rao, known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in 'Maanikya' (2014), has also appeared in a few other South Indian films.
Who is Ranya Rao?Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer K. Ramachandra Rao. He currently holds the position of Director-General of Police at the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.
Hailing from Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, Ranya Rao has made a name for herself in the film industry with notable roles in movies such as Pataki, Maanikya, and Wagah.