Who Is Jatin Hukkeri, Husband Of Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Caught Smuggling Gold At Bengaluru Airport?

Jatin Hukkeri, the husband of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, is facing scrutiny following her recent arrest in Bengaluru in connection with an alleged gold smuggling case.

Authorities claim that he frequently accompanied Rao on multiple trips to Dubai. Rao, who wed Hukkeri in a high-profile ceremony at the Taj West End a few months ago, drew investigators' attention after undertaking four journeys to Dubai within a span of 15 days.

According to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), gold bars valued at ₹12.56 crore were confiscated from Rao at Kempegowda International Airport. Subsequently, officials searched her residence, seizing gold jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash.

Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.

The total seizure in the case stands at ₹17.29 crore, including assets worth ₹4.73 crore, in what officials describe as a significant crackdown on organised gold smuggling networks.

Who is Jatin Hukkeri?

Hukkeri holds a Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch.) degree in Architecture & Interior Design from RV College of Engineering in Bengaluru. He later pursued further education at the Royal College of Art - Executive Education, London, specialising in Disruptive Market Innovation.

According to the Della Leaders Club (DLC), Jatin initially made a name for himself in Bengaluru's restaurant industry with his innovative designs before expanding his influence across India and London. He is the Founder & Creative Director of WDA & DECODE LLC, as well as the founder of Craft CoDe.

His LinkedIn profile highlights his expertise in Hospitality Architecture and Planning, stating: "An experienced Architectural Designer with a demonstrated history of working in the Hospitality Architecture & Planning industry. Skilled in Architectural Interiors, Custom Interiors, Recreation, Design, and Entertainment. A strong arts and design professional, having graduated from the Royal College of Art, London."

One of Hukkeri's most prominent projects is Hangover, a cocktail bar and diner in Bengaluru. Describing its distinctive concept, he remarked, "It is ground-breaking in terms of its spatial qualities, which are remarkably simple for a bar." The establishment is open on all sides across both floors, greatly enhancing the user experience.

His client portfolio in Bengaluru includes Hangover, Bangalore XOOX, Brewmill, and Olive Beach, while he has also contributed to projects in Delhi and Mumbai, such as Monkey Bar in Delhi and Gateway Taproom in Mumbai.

Jatin Hukkeri heads WDA, a team of young, design-focused professionals, and has played a key role in projects across the hospitality, retail, residential, and institutional sectors.