From Silver Screen to Smuggling: How Ranya Rao Was Caught With 14.8 Kg Gold at Bengaluru's KIA

Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of a senior IPS Officer, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Bengaluru airport on Monday. As per PTI, she was smuggling 14.8 kg of gold in India from Dubai. The seized gold is worth ₹12 crore.

How Ranya Rao came under DRI's radar?

Ranya had flown in from Dubai on an Emirates flight and as she was about to clear her check in the team of DRI approached and arrested her. The 33-year-old actress came under the radar when she travelled four times to Dubai in 15 days. This added suspicion and they launched a target operation to arrest her, per PTI. Whereas ANI states that the DRI team was tipped off about the actress' alleged involvement in smuggling gold.

Also Read: Kannada Actress Ranya Rao, Step-daughter Of IPS Officer Ramachandra Rao, Sent To 14-Day Judicial Custody For Smuggling Gold
 

Ranya was accompanied by two people who were carrying the illegal gold in briefcases. The initial investigation revealed that Ranya wore a significant amount of gold and hid the gild bars in her clothing. "Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.2 kg were found ingeniously concealed on person. The contraband, valued at Rs 12.56 crore was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962," a DRI statement said. 

What DRI found at Ranya Rao's house?

Following her arrest, DRI moved to her home on Lavelle Road to investigate and know if there was any possible link with the smugglers. "Following the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her residential premises located at Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband. The search resulted in the seizure of gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore," the DRI said.

Ranya has been arrested under provisions of the Customs Act 1962 and has been remanded to 14-day judicial custody. For the unversed, Ranya is reportedly the daughter of an IPS officer.

Who is Ranya Rao?

Ranya made her debut with the Kannada movie Maanikya (2014). She originally hails from the Chikmagalur district of the Indian state of Karnataka. 

Also Read: Who Is Ranya Rao? Kannada Actress Arrested For Gold Smuggling Made Debut Opposite Kichcha Sudeep

 After completing her schooling in Bangalore persuaded to act with accreditation in acting. She has so far done only 3 movies - Maanikya, Wagah and Pataki. Since her last film in 2017, she has been away from the big screens.