Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence after being found in possession of 14.8 kg of gold, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
Ranya Rao was taken into custody on Monday night and presented before an economic offences court, which ordered a 14-day judicial remand. She had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight and was already under surveillance due to her frequent international travel.
Investigators revealed that she allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing a significant portion of it while concealing gold bars in her clothing. Authorities became suspicious after observing that she had made four trips to Dubai in just 15 days, leading to a targeted operation upon her arrival.
Preliminary findings suggest that Ranya Rao may have tried to use her connections to evade customs inspections. Reports indicate that after landing, she allegedly claimed to be the daughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police and even sought police assistance to escort her home.
Officials are now investigating whether any law enforcement officers, including her IPS relative, were knowingly or unknowingly involved.
Following her arrest, she was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru’s HBR Layout for questioning. Authorities are now trying to determine whether she acted alone or was part of a larger smuggling network operating between Dubai and India.
Ranya Rao, widely recognized for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in Maanikya (2014), has also appeared in several other South Indian films. The case has now drawn significant public attention as investigators dig deeper into her alleged involvement in smuggling activities.
