Actor Ranya Rao Arrested in ₹12.56 Crore Gold Smuggling Case; DRI Probes Syndicate Links

Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, allegedly smuggled gold from Dubai using protocol privileges, prompting investigations by multiple agencies.

Ranya Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport on March 3 with 14.8 kg of gold concealed on her body, valued at ₹12.56 crore.
Investigations revealed that Rao used VIP protocol privileges, allegedly facilitated by her stepfather, senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, to bypass airport security checks.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) and Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) are probing her involvement in a larger smuggling syndicate operating from Dubai.
Authorities also seized ₹2.67 crore in cash and gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore from her Bengaluru residence during subsequent raids.
The Karnataka government withdrew a CID probe into protocol violations, transferring the investigation to a senior IAS officer, while political accusations between BJP and Congress continue over alleged shielding of the accused.