Kannada actress Ranya Rao arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai.
Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) detained Ranya Rao on March 3 for smuggling gold of worth over ₹12 crore from Dubai.
The fact which gave this news a hype was that, the detainee is the daughter of Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation) K Ramachandra Rao.
According to police report Ranya Rao arrested while taking the gold bars strapped to her body in a concealed belt, along with 800 grams of gold jewelry. Investigators also noted that she had worn similar outfits on her previous four visits within the last 15 days, seemingly to discreetly conceal the belt.
She was presented before the Special Court for Economic Offences on March 4 and was placed under judicial custody for 14 days.
Ranya, known for her performances in Kannada and Tamil films like Maanikya, Pataki, and Wagah, is believed to be linked to a larger gold smuggling network operating through Bengaluru airport.
As per police report, officials got the tip of this illegal activity after they observed her frequent international trips, particularly her over ten visits to Dubai in recent months.
Officials grew suspicious of her repeated short visits to the Gulf, despite having no business activity there.
Following her arrest, Ranya reportedly claimed she had been coerced and blackmailed into smuggling gold. Officials are currently verifying the authenticity of her statement as part of their investigation.
Reacting to the incident, DGP K Ramachandra Rao distanced himself from his daughter’s actions. He stated, “Ranya married Jatin Hukkeri, an architect specializing in designing pubs and microbreweries, four months ago. She has not been in contact with us since her marriage. We are unaware of her or her husband’s business activities,” DGP told media.
He went on to say that this news has come as a great shock and disappointment for him. “She has let us down. If any wrongdoing is proven, the law will take its course,” he told the Indian media.
