Kannada Actor Ranya Rao Denied Bail in ₹12.56 Crore Gold Smuggling Case

Ranya Rao's arrest at Bengaluru airport has sparked investigations into her alleged involvement in a smuggling operation and potential lapses by officials.

Ranya Rao, a 34-year-old Kannada actor, was arrested on March 3 at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru with 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore concealed on her person.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) opposed her bail, citing concerns about potential evidence tampering and witness influence during the ongoing investigation.
Rao has alleged mistreatment during detention, including claims of verbal abuse and coercion by DRI officials, which the agency has denied.
The Karnataka government has launched a probe into the possible involvement of Rao's stepfather, senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, and ordered a CID investigation into alleged security lapses at the airport.
A second accused, Tarun Konduru, has also been arrested and is awaiting a bail hearing, while inquiries continue into the broader smuggling network and procedural violations.