Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested for Smuggling ₹12.56 Crore Worth of Gold at Bengaluru Airport

Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for attempting to illegally bring in a staggering 14.2 kilograms of gold worth Rs. 12.56 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended the actress upon her arrival from Dubai, where she had allegedly been part of an elaborate gold smuggling racket.

Hindu Undivided Family & Tax – The Untold Financial Advantages!

Officials revealed that the gold was carefully concealed on her person in an attempt to evade customs checks. However, acting on a tip-off, the DRI intercepted Ranya Rao and conducted a detailed search, which led to the discovery of the contraband. The seizure was part of an ongoing effort to crack down on gold smuggling networks operating between the Middle East and India.

Read More: New UPI Rule: Banks Must Update Numeric ID Resolution by March 31, 2025

Following her arrest, the authorities conducted a raid at her residence on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru, where they recovered additional gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Rs. 2.67 crore in cash. The total value of assets seized from the actress now stands at Rs. 17.29 crore.

Hindu Undivided Family & Tax – The Untold Financial Advantages!

Investigators revealed that Ranya Rao, 33, had traveled to Dubai nearly 30 times in the past year, raising suspicions about her involvement in a larger smuggling operation. Reports suggest that she allegedly earned Rs. 12 lakh per trip, transporting illegal gold into the country.

Read More: DGFT restricts Import of Platinum under HS Code 7110, Except for 99% Pure Alloys [Read Notification]

Ranya, a well-known face in the Kannada film industry, made her debut in the 2017 film Mass Leader and later appeared in Saavi and Kaal KG Preethi. Her recent frequent international trips had drawn the attention of law enforcement agencies, who were monitoring her movements before making the arrest.

Hindu Undivided Family & Tax – The Untold Financial Advantages!

Adding another layer of complexity to the case, Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who currently serves as the chairman and managing director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. While investigators are probing whether her family connections played any role in shielding her activities, no links have been established so far.

Read More: DGFT simplifies Advance Authorisation closure amid Shipping Bill Constraints

Ranya Rao has been arrested under various provisions of the Customs Act, 1962, and has been remanded to judicial custody. Authorities are now working to trace her associates and uncover the full extent of the smuggling network.

Support our journalism by subscribing to Taxscan premium. Follow us on Telegram for quick updates