Kannada actress Ranya Rao found herself at the center of a smuggling scandal after being taken into custody by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on Sunday evening at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA). Accused of smuggling gold, Rao claimed during the investigation that she was coerced into the act under blackmail.
Authorities also detained police constable Basavaraju, who allegedly assisted the actress in bypassing security checks at the airport. Following her arrest on March 4, officials conducted a raid at her residence in Nandwani Mansion on Lavelle Road. The operation uncovered a staggering Rs 2.67 crore in cash and gold worth Rs 2.06 crore. In addition, three large boxes were seized from her home, bringing the total value of confiscated assets to Rs 17.29 crore.
Ranya Rao, who had just arrived in Bengaluru from Dubai on an Emirates flight, attempted to evade security measures with the help of Constable Basavaraju. However, the DRI, acting on prior intelligence, intercepted her at the airport and discovered 14.2 kg of foreign-origin gold, valued at Rs 12.56 crore, concealed inside her jacket. She was immediately taken into custody and transported to the DRI office in Nagavara for further questioning.
Known for her roles in Kannada and Tamil cinema, Ranya Rao is also the stepdaughter of K Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police (DGP) of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. Authorities suspect she frequently traveled to Dubai with her husband, Jatin, despite having no apparent professional or family ties there. Investigations have further revealed that she was regularly escorted by police personnel to evade security checks at the airport.
As the investigation unfolds, the case continues to send shockwaves through the film industry and law enforcement circles alike.
