The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold into the country. The incident occurred late Monday night when officials, acting on a tip-off, intercepted the actress upon her arrival from Dubai via an Emirates flight.
The authorities discovered that Ranya had concealed the gold in a specially designed belt worn around her body, along with 800 grams of gold jewellery hidden in her clothing, as per a report on PTI. Due to her frequent international travel, she had been under DRI surveillance, which led to her being detained upon landing.
Following her arrest, Ranya was presented before the Special Court for Economic Offences on March 4, where she was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days. Investigators are probing whether she acted alone or was linked to a broader smuggling network operating between Dubai and India. Reports also suggest that she allegedly tried to use her connections to evade customs scrutiny, claiming to be the daughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police and seeking local police assistance upon arrival, reported Indian Express.
Officials are examining whether any police personnel were misled or played a role in facilitating her movements. After her arrest, she was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru’s HBR Layout for further questioning. Authorities are also investigating if her alleged involvement extends to a larger syndicate smuggling gold through Bengaluru airport.
She also reportedly claimed that she was forced into smuggling gold.
However, DGP Ramachandra Rao distanced himself from the controversy, stating that she had not visited them since her wedding four months ago.
Ranya Rao, known for her roles in South Indian cinema, gained recognition after appearing alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep in the 2014 film Maanikya and has also acted in films like Pataki and Wagah
.jpg)
Leave Comments