Bengaluru: Kannada film actress Ranya Rao has been arrested in connection with one of the biggest gold smuggling cases at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized 14.8 kg of gold from the actress, who allegedly smuggled the contraband from Dubai by concealing it on her body.
Modus Operandi: How Ranya Rao Smuggled Gold
According to officials, Rao had allegedly strapped 14 gold bars, each weighing around one kilogram, to her thighs using tape and crepe bandages. She then covered them with pants to avoid detection. Initial reports suggested that the gold was hidden in her jacket, but the DRI confirmed that the contraband was found on her person during a physical check.
Additionally, sources revealed that Rao used VIP channels at the airport, bypassing regular security checks, which may have helped her evade scrutiny during multiple trips between Dubai and India.
Investigation and Court Proceedings
The 33-year-old actress, who is also the stepdaughter of a senior DGP-rank IPS officer in Karnataka, was detained by the DRI on March 3. Following her arrest, she was produced before a special court for economic offences and remanded to judicial custody until March 18.
The DRI has now filed a plea seeking three days of custody from March 9 to further interrogate the actress regarding her alleged involvement in an organized smuggling network. Officials are particularly investigating the purpose behind her 27 short trips to Dubai over the last six months.
Forced or Willing Accomplice?
During her initial interrogation, Rao reportedly claimed that she had been forced to smuggle gold. Investigators are now working to determine if she was coerced or if she was actively working as a carrier for a larger gold smuggling syndicate.
This high-profile arrest has raised serious concerns about security lapses at international airports and possible involvement of insiders in facilitating such operations. With the investigation ongoing, authorities are expected to uncover further links to the larger gold smuggling network in the coming days.
