A startling case of alleged gold smuggling has rocked the film industry in Karnataka. Ranya Rao, a popular Kannada actress, was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday after authorities intercepted her carrying gold bars worth approximately ₹12.56 crore, weighing nearly 15 kilograms.
Incident Details
Rao, reportedly the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, is accused of smuggling gold from Dubai. According to sources, she traveled to Dubai around 30 times in the past year, allegedly bringing back kilograms of gold on each trip. Intelligence reports, as cited by India Today, claim that she was paid roughly ₹1 lakh per kilogram, earning around ₹12-13 lakh per trip. Investigations further revealed that Rao repeatedly used modified jackets and waist belts to hide the gold, a method she employed during her frequent travels.
Arrest and Recovery
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had Rao under surveillance due to her unusually frequent trips to Dubai. On her return last Wednesday, just as she was about to clear airport security, DRI officials intercepted her. During the frisking, authorities recovered the concealed gold bars from her modified jacket. The total assets seized in the case have now been valued at around ₹17.29 crore, including additional items worth ₹4.73 crore.
Family Reaction
The arrest has sent shockwaves through Rao’s family. Her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, a senior IPS officer, expressed his disbelief and devastation upon learning of the incident through media reports. “I was shocked and devastated when I heard about this. She is not living with us, and there must be family issues that led to this situation. Nevertheless, the law will take its course, and my career remains untarnished,” he said.
Authorities have launched a detailed investigation into the smuggling operation. With Rao’s extensive travel history and the sophisticated methods used to conceal the gold, investigators are looking into potential accomplices and other facets of the scheme. The case continues to evolve, with new details emerging as the investigation proceeds.
