Kannada actress Ranya Rao, the daughter of K Ramachandra Rao, the Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation), was apprehended by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on March 3. She is accused of smuggling 14.8 kg of gold valued at over Rs 12 crore from Dubai.
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Acting on a tip-off, DRI officials intercepted Ranya and conducted a search, during which they discovered gold bars concealed in a belt attached to her body, in addition to 800 grams of gold jewelry. She was subsequently presented before the Special Court for Economic Offences on March 4 and was remanded to judicial custody for a period of 14 days.
Ranya, recognized for her performances in Kannada and Tamil cinema, including films such as Maanikya, Pataki, and Wagah, is believed to be involved in a broader smuggling operation linked to Bengaluru airport. Following her arrest, DRI officials executed a search and seizure operation at her residence in Bengaluru.
Reports indicate that Ranya had been monitored due to her numerous international trips, having made over ten visits to Dubai in recent months despite lacking any apparent business interests in the region. Authorities grew suspicious upon observing her repeated short visits to the Gulf.
