Kannada Actress Ranya Rao’s Gold Smuggling Case: 14 gold bars strapped to thighs, made 4 Dubai trips in 15 days—What we know so far

Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case: Days after Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth Rs 12.86 crore at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has intensified its investigation, suspecting a larger smuggling network. Rao, 33, who is the stepdaughter of a senior DGP-rank IPS officer in Karnataka, allegedly strapped 14 gold bars to her thighs using tape and bandages in an attempt to evade detection, IANS reported.

The DRI had prior intelligence on her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight on March 3 and apprehended her during a physical check.  

While initial speculation suggested the gold was hidden inside a jacket, the DRI confirmed in an official statement that it was "ingeniously concealed on (her) person." Officials are now probing whether Rao leveraged her connections to bypass airport scrutiny and whether she was part of a wider smuggling operation.

Here's what we know so far in Kannada actress Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case:

The arrest and gold seizure

Ranya Rao was reportedly intercepted upon arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight on March 3. Acting on specific intelligence, the DRI found gold bars worth Rs 12.56 crore ingeniously concealed on her body. Following her arrest, searches at her upscale Lavelle Road residence led to the recovery of gold jewellery worth Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash, bringing the total seizure to Rs 17.29 crore.

How smuggling was carried out

Investigators revealed that the 31-year-old actress made four trips to Dubai in just 15 days, raising suspicions about her involvement in an organised smuggling racket. She reportedly used an unusual method to transport the gold, attaching bars to her thighs with adhesive and wrapping them with a crepe bandage to evade airport security checks.

Allegations of misuse of influence

Authorities suspect that Rao may have used her stepfather’s position to avoid scrutiny. Ramachandra Rao, a DGP-rank officer and Chairman of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd, has denied any involvement. It is alleged that she would call police personnel upon landing, who then escorted her home, potentially bypassing customs checks. The DRI is now investigating whether any police officers were complicit in the operation.

Legal action and investigation

Following her arrest, Rao was produced in court on Tuesday and remanded to judicial custody. The DRI has widened its probe to identify her possible accomplices and investigate her financial transactions for links to an international smuggling syndicate. Authorities are also looking into her husband’s role and whether he was aware of or involved in the illegal activities.

Government and family response

Her stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, has distanced himself from the case, stating that Ranya had not been in touch with him since her marriage four months ago. Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwara has refrained from commenting, stating that the investigation is ongoing.

The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the gold was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. As the case unfolds, officials remain tight-lipped about potential arrests linked to the smuggling network, but sources indicate that further action may follow in the coming days.

(WIth inputs from agencies)