Updated 7 March 2025 at 14:21 IST
Ranya Rao Confesses To Smuggling 17 Gold Bars, Sent To 3-Day Custody
Kannada actress Ranya Rao acknowledged and confirmed that she was present during the seizure of gold at Bengaluru International Airport.
- Entertainment News
- 3 min read

Ranya Rao, arrested for smuggling 14.8 kg gold from Dubai, during her interrogation admitted carrying 17 gold bars on her recent return to India. However, she has requested the officials to keep the matter as confidential as possible, per her statement. When officials asked her about the international trip, to this, the Kannada actress mentioned that she has travelled to 40 countries, including Europe, America and the Middle East. She also opened up about her family and stated that she is the daughter of K.S. Hegdesh, a businessman.
Ranya Rao opens up about carrying 17 gold bars from Dubai to India
During the interrogation, Ranya was questioned about the gold confiscated from her at Kempegowda International Airport. She acknowledged and confirmed that she was present during the seizure and signed the official record of the event. She also requested that the matter be kept as confidential as possible.
When asked about her travelling history she said, "I have travelled to Europe, America, and (the) Middle East and have visited Dubai, Saudi Arabia. I wish to state that I am tired at present as I did not get enough rest."
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Ranya Rao send to 3-day custody
The Economic Offences Court in its order for Friday, sent the Kannada actor to DRI custody for 3 days custody in connection to a gold smuggling case, as per the court's order for further investigation. The order was issued by Economic Offenses Court presided over by Justice Vishwanath C. Gowdar.
About Ranya Rao's family
Ranya stated that she was born and brought up in Bengaluru and is the daughter of businessman K.S. Hegdesh. She completed her schooling and is an actress in the film industry. Additionally, she is a wildlife photographer and works in real estate in Dubai. The actress also shared that she is married to Jatin Hukkeri and their residence is on Lavelle Road, Bengaluru.
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Towards the end, when officials asked if she had anything else to disclose, Ranya responded that she had nothing further to add. She assured full cooperation with the investigation and agreed to appear before the authorities whenever required.
This statement has reportedly been submitted to the court. For the unversed, Ramachandra Rao, the Director-General of Police of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, is her stepfather.
Ranya Rao's first photo in custody goes viral
Amid this, Ranya's photo in custody has been accessed by Republic. The image shows dark patches under Rao's eyes. Ranya has been remanded for custody till March 18. Soon after the arrest, Rao petitioned for a bail, which was heard on Thursday. During the hearing, the advocate for DRI argued that they needed further custody of the actress to investigate how she violated the protocols and if she is linked to any gold smuggling gang.
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Published By : Niharika Sanjeeiv
Published On: 7 March 2025 at 12:06 IST