Synopsis
The arrest of Kannada actress Ranya Rao, linked to a major gold smuggling operation, has shocked India. Using creative concealment methods, she attempted to evade detection, leading to substantial seizures and ongoing investigations.Key Takeaways
- Ranya Rao was arrested for gold smuggling.
- She concealed 14 gold bars on her thighs.
- Authorities seized 17.29 kg of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
- Her father is a senior IPS officer in Karnataka.
- Investigations are ongoing regarding police complicity.
Bengaluru, March 5 (NationPress) The detention of Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, who is the daughter of a prominent IPS officer in Karnataka, has unveiled a significant gold smuggling scheme in India. Investigations conducted by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) uncovered that the 31-year-old actress employed a peculiar tactic to bypass security checks—she adhered 14 gold bars to her thighs using adhesive, wrapped them with tape, and disguised them under a crepe bandage.
Officials characterized her capture as one of the most notable breakthroughs in recent gold smuggling incidents.
To date, authorities have confiscated 17.29 kg of gold along with cash in this case. This total includes 14.8 kg of gold valued at Rs 12.56 crore recovered at the airport, Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold found at her residence in Bengaluru, and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
Ranya Rao was arrested on Monday night upon her return to Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru via an Emirates flight from Dubai. The DRI, acting on prior intelligence, had a four-member team stationed at the airport, expecting her arrival.
Sources indicated that she had undertaken four trips to Dubai in a mere 15 days, which raised suspicions. Investigators believe she may have been involved in smuggling gold multiple times.
Authorities assert that Rao leveraged her father's position—Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation)—to evade scrutiny at the airport.
Upon her arrival, it was reported that she would contact police officers to facilitate her pickup, who then escorted her to her residence.
Officials are now investigating whether any law enforcement personnel were complicit in the smuggling operation.
Following her arrest, the DRI conducted a raid on her luxurious Lavelle Road apartment in Bengaluru on Wednesday, where she paid Rs 4.5 lakh in rent. The search resulted in the recovery of additional gold and cash, bringing the total seizure to 17.29 kg of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash.
Her father, Ramachandra Rao, has distanced himself from the situation, claiming they have not communicated since her marriage four months ago.
Ranya Rao, recognized for her performance alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep in ‘Maanikya’, has also appeared in various South Indian films.
She was presented in court on Tuesday and placed in judicial custody as investigations into her smuggling network and potential accomplices continue.
