Kannada film actor Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold worth over Rs 12 crore from Dubai, officials confirmed on Tuesday.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) acted on a tip-off and arrested the actress upon her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight. Following her arrest on Monday night, Rao was presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days of judicial custody.
According to DRI officials, Rao had been under surveillance due to her repeated international trips. Authorities noted that she had travelled to Dubai four times within 15 days, raising suspicions of illicit activities. A targeted operation was launched upon her return to India, leading to her arrest.
Investigators revealed that Rao had allegedly smuggled the gold by concealing gold bars in her clothing and wearing a significant portion of it. Reports indicate that a large quantity of the smuggled gold was hidden inside her jacket. Officials suspect that she may have attempted to leverage her connections to evade customs checks.
Reports also suggested that upon landing, Rao allegedly identified herself as the daughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who serves as the Director General of Police in Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. She is also believed to have contacted local police personnel in an attempt to secure an escort from the airport.
Authorities are now probing whether any law enforcement officers, including her IPS father, were aware of her activities or were misled into assisting her. Following her arrest, Rao was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru's HBR Layout for questioning.
Officials are investigating whether the actress acted alone or was part of a larger gold smuggling syndicate operating between Dubai and India.
Ranya Rao, known for her role alongside Kannada superstar Sud
