Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested in Bengaluru for Gold Smuggling

Authorities seized 14.8 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from the actor, who allegedly smuggled gold from Dubai multiple times.

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress and stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold.
Investigators revealed that Rao made 30 trips to Dubai over the past year, reportedly earning ₹12-13 lakh per trip by smuggling gold concealed in clothing and modified belts.
Following her arrest, a raid on her Bengaluru residence uncovered gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash, bringing the total seizure value to ₹17.29 crore.
Rao’s stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, publicly distanced himself from her activities, stating that she had been living independently since her marriage four months ago.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence is probing whether Rao acted alone or was part of a larger smuggling network, with her bail plea pending a court decision.