Bengaluru, March 6: Popular Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru on Wednesday for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai. Authorities seized gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore, weighing 15 kilograms, from her possession. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials intercepted Rao during security clearance, exposing her involvement in a gold smuggling racket.
Shocking Details Emerge in Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
As the investigation progresses, new revelations have surfaced about Ranya Rao alleged smuggling activities. Reports suggest that she had traveled to Dubai nearly 30 times in the past year, smuggling gold on each trip. Sources indicate that she was paid ₹1 lakh per kilogram, potentially earning ₹12-13 lakh per trip.
Authorities discovered that Rao used modified jackets and waist belts to conceal the smuggled gold. The same smuggling techniques were used repeatedly during her Dubai visits. The total seizure in the case amounts to ₹17.29 crore, including ₹4.73 crore worth of assets linked to her.
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Ranya Rao Arrest: What Happened at the Airport?
Reports state that Ranya Rao was already on the radar of investigating agencies due to the high frequency of her international travels. When she landed in Bengaluru from Dubai, DRI officials intercepted her just before clearing security checks.
During questioning, Rao reportedly claimed to be the stepdaughter of Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who serves as the DGP of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. However, the officials proceeded with their investigation, conducted a frisking search, and recovered the hidden gold bars from her jacket.
IPS Officer Ramachandra Rao Reacts to His Stepdaughter Arrest
Following the shocking incident, IPS officer Ramachandra Rao expressed disbelief, stating that he had no prior knowledge of his stepdaughter’s activities.
“I was also shocked and devastated when I came to know about this through the media. I was not aware of any such involvement. She has been living separately with her husband, and there may have been family issues. The law will take its course. There has been no black mark on my career, and I don’t wish to say anything more,” he was quoted as saying by ANI.
Legal Proceedings and Next Steps
The DRI is now conducting a deeper investigation into Ranya Rao’s alleged involvement in organized gold smuggling. Officials are probing her Dubai connections, potential accomplices, and how she managed to evade detection in the past. Further details on the case and legal proceedings are awaited.
