How Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Was Caught Smuggling Gold Just Moments Before Stepping Out Of Airport

Kannada actress Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, was moments away from clearing airport security at Bengaluru when a team from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted her and allegedly uncovered gold bars worth ₹12 crore that she was attempting to smuggle.

The 33-year-old actress, who began her career with the 2014 Kannada film 'Maanikya', had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight on Monday. It is alleged that two individuals accompanying her were carrying the smuggled gold in briefcases.

They had almost cleared security at Kempegowda International Airport and were about to leave when a DRI team, acting on specific intelligence regarding the smuggling attempt, intervened and conducted a search.

"Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on her person. The contraband, valued at ₹12.56 crore, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962," a statement from the DRI read.

The investigation then extended to her residence on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru, where the authorities uncovered additional valuables.

"Following the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her residential premises, where she resides with her husband. The search led to the seizure of gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to ₹2.67 crore," the statement added.

"The female passenger has been placed under arrest under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and has been remanded to judicial custody. The total seizure in the case amounts to ₹17.29 crore, dealing a major blow to organised gold smuggling networks," the agency noted.

The DRI further stated that the confiscation of 14.2 kg of gold is "one of the most significant seizures at Bengaluru airport in recent times."

According to reports, Ranya Rao had been making frequent short visits to Gulf countries, which had brought her under the scrutiny of the DRI.

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer. The officer's first wife had passed away, following which he remarried a woman who had two daughters from her previous marriage. Ranya is one of them.