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Kannada Actor Ranya Rao Arrested for Gold Smuggling at Bengaluru Airport
Kannada Actor Ranya Rao Arrested for Gold Smuggling at Bengaluru Airport
Bengaluru: Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night for allegedly smuggling 14.8kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted Ms. Rao upon her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight, where she was found carrying the gold, some of which was worn as jewelry while the rest was concealed in her clothing.
The arrest has sparked widespread attention, particularly due to Ms. Rao’s connection to senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, Director-General of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. When asked about his stepdaughter’s involvement in the case, the senior officer distanced himself, stating, “The law will do its job. There is no black mark on my career.” He expressed his shock and said he was unaware of her activities, as she had been living separately with her husband.
According to investigative sources, Ms. Rao had traveled to Dubai four times within a span of 15 days, raising suspicions among officials. It is alleged that she attempted to use her connections to bypass security screenings by identifying herself as the daughter of a senior police officer and seeking an escort from local law enforcement. However, the DRI had been monitoring her movements closely and had set up surveillance before her return flight, leading to her arrest as she attempted to clear customs.
Authorities have also seized additional assets linked to Ms. Rao. A raid at her Lavelle Road residence in Bengaluru, which she shared with her husband, resulted in the discovery of ₹2.06 crore worth of gold jewelry and ₹2.67 crore in cash. With these findings, the total value of seized assets in this case has now reached ₹17.29 crore, making it one of the largest gold smuggling busts recorded at Bengaluru airport in recent years.
The investigation is now focused on determining whether Ms. Rao was working alone or was part of a larger smuggling network. Preliminary reports suggest that she may have had accomplices, as there were indications that two aides were carrying additional gold bars in briefcases. Officials are also probing any potential involvement of insiders within law enforcement or customs who may have facilitated her smuggling operations.
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Ms. Rao, who gained recognition for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in the 2014 film Maanikya, is currently being interrogated at the DRI’s office in Bengaluru. Legal proceedings have been initiated under the Customs Act, and she has been remanded to judicial custody pending further inquiry.
Authorities believe this case could have far-reaching implications, as it highlights the involvement of high-profile individuals in gold smuggling activities. The DRI is expected to conduct further raids and trace potential links to organized smuggling syndicates operating between India and Dubai.
This incident has not only put Ms. Rao in legal trouble but has also raised concerns about the misuse of influence and power for illegal activities. Officials have assured that the investigation will be conducted transparently, and all those involved will be held accountable under the law.
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