CBI Begins Gold Smuggling Probe Examined Ranya Rao\'s Wedding Video, Guest List

The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) is examining Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s wedding footage and guest lists as part of its investigation into the alleged gold smuggling case.

On Tuesday, the agency conducted searches at Rao’s residence, the Karnataka Industrial Areas Development Board (KIADB) office, and the venue where she got married.

The CBI launched its investigation a day earlier after filing an FIR based on information from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

According to an India Today report, the CBI’s focus on the guest list is to determine who presented expensive gifts to the actress at her wedding. The agency is looking for potential connections between those who gave costly gifts and the smuggling operation.

The CBI team, led by officers from the Delhi unit, is also investigating land approvals from the KIADB, indicating a broader inquiry into possible financial and regulatory irregularities. The investigation is expanding as the CBI explores various potential links that could connect the actress and others involved in the smuggling ring.

Additionally, the CBI has issued notices to four protocol officers stationed at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. These officers are responsible for facilitating the arrival of guests, politicians, and VIPs, and are now under scrutiny in connection with the gold smuggling case.

The gold smuggling case involving actress Ranya Rao came to light when she was arrested on March 3 for allegedly smuggling gold worth over Rs 12 crore from Dubai. The DRI seized the gold bars from her possession upon her arrival at the airport. Further searches at her Bengaluru residence led to the recovery of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and cash amounting to Rs 2.67 lakh.

Rao, 34, is the stepdaughter of K Ramachandra Rao, a senior police officer who serves as Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd.

The case has sparked political controversy in Karnataka, with the opposition BJP accusing the ruling Congress government of shielding those involved in the smuggling operation. The Congress, in turn, has countered the allegations by accusing the BJP of granting 12 acres of land to Ranya Rao for a TMT steel bar factory. However, Karnataka Minister MB Patil had later clarified that the land was not allotted, as the company failed to make the required payment