Kannada actor Ranya Rao, arrested after 14 kg gold bars worth Rs 14.56 crore were seized from her at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, visited Dubai 27 times in a year. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials have said the 14.2 kg haul is one of the largest gold seizures at the Bengaluru airport in recent times.
Kannada actress Ranya Rao, 33, was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on March 3, 2025, for attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold valued at ₹12.56 crore. Investigations revealed that she had undertaken approximately 30 trips to Dubai over the past year, allegedly smuggling gold on each occasion.
Arrest Details:
Ranya Rao, reportedly the stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) upon her arrival from Dubai. She concealed the gold using modified jackets and waist belts, taping the metal to her body to evade detection. Her frequent travels had raised suspicions, leading to increased surveillance and her eventual arrest.
Subsequent Investigations:
Following her arrest, DRI officials conducted a raid at her upscale residence on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru, seizing gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash. The total value of the assets seized amounts to ₹17.29 crore. Reports suggest that Rao was compensated ₹1 lakh per kilogram of smuggled gold, earning an estimated ₹12–13 lakh per trip.
Alleged Collusion with Law Enforcement:
Investigations have uncovered potential collusion between Rao and certain law enforcement officials. A police constable stationed at the airport allegedly assisted her in bypassing security checks by escorting her through immigration. Surveillance footage from previous trips indicates similar patterns, with government vehicles purportedly waiting to pick her up after she cleared customs. Authorities are now probing possible involvement of other police officials and influential figures in the smuggling operation.
Legal Proceedings:
Ranya Rao was presented before an economic offences court and has been remanded to 14 days in judicial custody. She has filed a bail petition, with the court’s decision expected on Friday. The DRI has requested extended custody to further investigate her alleged violations and the broader smuggling network.
Background:
Ranya Rao made her acting debut in 2014 with the Kannada movie “Maanikya,” directed by and starring Sudeep. She later ventured into Tamil cinema in 2016 with “Wagah,” opposite Vikram Prabhu.
The case has garnered significant attention due to Rao’s connections and the alleged involvement of law enforcement personnel, prompting a comprehensive investigation into the smuggling syndicate’s operations.
