Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) in Bengaluru for allegedly smuggling gold.
The arrest took place at Kempegowda International Airport, where authorities recovered 14.8 kg of gold from her possession. According to local media reports on Wednesday, Ranya Rao had been under surveillance due to her frequent international travels.
Ranya Rao, who arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight late Monday night, allegedly attempted to conceal the gold by wearing most of it discreetly while also hiding gold bars within her clothing. The DRI, which had been monitoring her movements, intercepted her upon arrival and conducted a thorough search, leading to the shocking discovery.
Complicating the case further, Ranya Rao is the daughter of a senior DGP-ranked IPS officer in Karnataka. This has raised concerns about potential law enforcement connections in her alleged smuggling operations. Initial investigations suggest that she would use her influential background to her advantage by requesting police escorts upon arrival, claiming to be the daughter of a high-ranking officer. The DRI is now investigating whether any officers were knowingly or unknowingly involved in assisting her activities.
Ranya Rao, known for her role in the Kannada blockbuster “Maanikya” alongside superstar Sudeep, has also acted in several other South Indian films. Her sudden rise to prominence in the smuggling investigation has shocked fans and the film industry alike. Authorities had grown suspicious after tracking her travel patterns, noting that she had visited Dubai four times within just 15 days. This unusual activity prompted them to place her under surveillance, culminating in her arrest.
Following her detention, Ranya Rao was taken to the DRI headquarters for intensive questioning. Officials are attempting to determine whether she was operating alone or if she was part of a larger smuggling network. After her initial interrogation, she was presented before a court and subsequently remanded to 14-day judicial custody.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are exploring every angle, including potential links to organized crime and other high-profile individuals. Ranya Rao’s arrest has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and law enforcement circles, with many awaiting further developments in the case.
