Kannada actor Ranya Rao was stopped at Kempegowda International Airport with 14.2 kilograms of gold bars hidden within a belt. Further searches conducted at her home revealed gold jewelry valued at ₹2.1 crore and cash amounting to ₹2.7 crore. Investigative efforts indicate a connection to a well-known politician.
The DRI agents apprehended Ranya at KIA upon her arrival from Dubai on Monday night, discovering 14.2kg of gold bars hidden in a belt around her waist. Following this, they searched her upscale apartment on Lavelle Road, uncovering designer gold jewelry valued at Rs 2.1 crore and Rs 2.7 crore in cash. Altogether, the total value of the items seized from both KIA and her home amounts to Rs 17.3 crore.
According to a DRI statement, this marks one of the largest gold seizures from an air traveler in recent history. Sources indicate that while the identities of the recipients of the gold bars and the reasons for smuggling such large amounts from Dubai are still under investigation, the jewelry found at her residence appears to have been acquired from a designer store on Lavelle Road. Initial inquiries suggest that these items were bought at the request of a well-known politician, and efforts are underway to trace the payment methods used.
Ranya has been charged under the Customs Act of 1962. According to sources, everyone connected to Ranya Rao, including her husband and other family members, will be called in for questioning.
(This story is published from a syndicated feed)