Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested at Bengaluru Airport for Smuggling 14.8 Kg Gold

In a shocking turn of events, Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, on Monday night for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold from Dubai to India. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials apprehended her upon arrival, uncovering a massive gold smuggling operation that has sent shockwaves through the industry and law enforcement circles.

Ranya Rao: A High-Profile Arrest at Bengaluru Airport

Ranya Rao, who gained fame through her roles in Kannada and Tamil cinema, was intercepted by authorities after her Emirates flight from Dubai landed around 7 PM. According to sources, her frequent trips to Dubai had raised suspicion, prompting officials to launch a targeted operation.

She was immediately taken into custody and later presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody.

The Investigation Unfolds: A Web of Deception

Reports suggest that Ranya Rao had traveled to Dubai nearly 30 times in the past year, allegedly smuggling kilos of gold on each trip. Authorities believe she was being paid ₹1 lakh per kilogram, potentially earning ₹12-13 lakh per trip.

An insider source stated that the DRI had received a tip-off about her alleged involvement, which led to a planned operation at the Bengaluru airport. The officials stationed themselves hours before her arrival, ensuring she was caught red-handed.

How the Gold Was Smuggled

Investigators discovered that Rao had used modified jackets and waist belts to conceal gold bars. During her recent attempt, she had reportedly worn a substantial portion of the 14.8 kg of gold as jewelry while stashing the rest within her clothing. The smuggling method was sophisticated, allowing her to bypass customs security multiple times before finally being caught.

Sources indicate that she may have also used her connections within airport security to evade detection, leveraging her status as the stepdaughter of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who is the DGP of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.

Seized Gold and Assets Worth Over ₹17 Crore

Following her arrest, the total seizure in the case amounted to a staggering ₹17.29 crore, which included:

• Gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore (14.8 kg of gold)
• Additional assets worth ₹4.73 crore

Authorities are now investigating whether Ranya Rao was part of a larger smuggling network, possibly working for a Dubai-based syndicate.

Ranya Rao’s Defense and the Road Ahead

During interrogation, Ranya Rao claimed she was traveling to Dubai for business purposes and denied any involvement in smuggling. However, the overwhelming evidence against her, including her travel records, smuggling methods, and financial transactions, has raised serious legal challenges for her.

Officials are now examining her financial records, probing potential accomplices within the industry and airport security personnel who may have assisted her in evading detection for so long.

A Promising Career Now in Jeopardy

Ranya Rao made her acting debut in 2014 with the Kannada film Maanikya and later starred in the Tamil film Wagah (2016) alongside Vikram Prabhu. With her arrest, her once-thriving career in cinema now faces an uncertain future.

The case has not only tarnished her reputation but has also sparked intense discussions about celebrities engaging in illegal activities for financial gain.

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