Kannada actress Ranya Rao arrested for gold smuggling at Bengaluru airport

New Delhi, Mar 5: Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru International Airport (KIA) on Monday night for allegedly smuggling 14 kg of gold. She was caught by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officers after arriving from Dubai. The gold bars were hidden in a belt strapped to her body.

33-year-old Ranya, is the daughter of senior police officer Ramachandra Rao, who serves as the Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation). Investigators believe she is part of a gold smuggling network operating through Bengaluru airport. She was presented before a judge on Tuesday and has been sent to judicial custody for 14 days as reported by the regional media.

A press release from the Ministry of Finance said, “DRI officers intercepted an Indian lady passenger aged around 33 years, who had arrived from Dubai to Bengaluru via Emirates flight on March 3, 2025. 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.”

The press release further added, “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 lady passenger has been placed under arrest under the relevant provisions of the Customs Act, 1962 and remanded to judicial custody.”

Reports suggest that authorities began monitoring Ranya after noticing her frequent short trips to Dubai, more than ten since the start of the year. Officials grew suspicious and tracked her movements closely.

Media reports also suggest that Ranya may have taken advantage of VIP protocol services often reserved for senior government officials and their families. Authorities are now reviewing security footage to determine how much gold Ranya may have smuggled on her previous trips. They are also investigating whether she acted alone or was part of a larger smuggling syndicate operating between Dubai and India.