Gold Smuggling Scandal Rocks Kannada Film Industry: Actress Ranya Rao Arrested With 14.8 kg Gold In Bengaluru

Bengaluru: Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, daughter of an IPS officer, was arrested at the Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle a whopping 14.8 kg of gold into the country. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials seized the gold from Ranya Rao's possession after she arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight. Ranya's husband was also arrested along with her.

According to the officials, Ranya Rao had allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing a major portion of it and concealing gold bars in her clothing. The Airport Authorities grew suspicious after noticing that she had travelled to Dubai four times in the last 15 days, prompting a targeted operation upon her return. The preliminary investigations suggested that the actress may have attempted to use her connections to bypass customs checks.

Reports also suggest that upon landing in Bengaluru, Rao allegedly claimed to be the daughter of the Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) and contacted local police personnel to escort her home. The shocking revelation has raised questions about the extent of Rao's connections and whether she was acting alone or as part of a larger smuggling network operating between Dubai and India.

Ranya Rao, known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in 'Maanikya' (2014), has also appeared in a few other South Indian films. 

Her arrest has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry, with many of her colleagues expressing surprise and disappointment.

Further legal action into the alleged smuggling incident is being taken.