Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai. The shocking revelation has sent ripples through the Kannada film industry and beyond.
As per reports, Ranya Rao was allegedly operating as a gold smuggler for over a year, travelling to Dubai 30 times within the last 12 months. Authorities believe she earned ₹12-13 lakh per trip by smuggling gold into India.
Investigations also uncovered that the actress used specially modified jackets and waist belts to conceal and transport gold. Her frequent travels to Dubai had put her under the radar of law enforcement agencies, eventually leading to her arrest.
Ranya Rao: From Silver Screen to Smuggling
Born in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, Ranya Rao pursued engineering at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru before stepping into the film industry.
She made her film debut in 2014 with the Kannada movie Maanikya, starring alongside Kichcha Sudeep. She later appeared in films like Pataki and Wagah, gaining recognition in the regional cinema circuit.
Authorities Confirm Ranya Rao Was Under Surveillance
Sources close to the investigation confirmed that authorities had been tracking her movements for months. The sheer frequency of her Dubai visits raised suspicions, prompting officials to dig deeper into her travel history.
A joint operation by intelligence agencies led to her capture at Bengaluru Airport, where she was caught with 14.8 kg of smuggled gold concealed in her belongings.
Adding to the controversy, Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of K. Ramachandra Rao, a senior IPS officer and the Director-General of Police (DGP) at Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.
Following her arrest, K. Ramachandra Rao expressed shock and distanced himself from the case. In a statement to ANI, he said:
“I was also shocked and devastated about her arrest. I was not aware of any of these things. She is not living with us; she is living separately with her husband. Anyway, the law will do its job. There is no black mark in my career. I don’t want to say anything more.“
Gold Smuggling in India: A Growing Concern
Ranya Rao’s arrest highlights the rising trend of gold smuggling in India, where smugglers use various tactics to bypass customs regulations. The high demand for gold and heavy import duties have made smuggling a lucrative illegal business.
Officials suspect that Ranya was working as a carrier for a larger smuggling syndicate, with her frequent travels acting as a cover for the operation.
Final Thoughts: A Cautionary Tale?
Ranya Rao’s case serves as a warning about the consequences of illegal activities, regardless of fame or background. While the investigation is still ongoing, one thing is clear—this scandal will be remembered for a long time in both the Kannada film industry and law enforcement history.
Will more names be exposed as part of this smuggling racket? Stay tuned for further updates.
