Kannada Actor Ranya Rao Accused in Gold Smuggling Case; Stepfather DGP Ramachandra Rao Sent on Leave

Ranya Rao faces allegations of smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai, while investigations probe her stepfather's potential role and broader syndicate connections.

Ranya Rao was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai.
Her stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao, has been placed on compulsory leave as the Karnataka government investigates his possible involvement in the case.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) claims Rao traveled to Dubai 27 times in 2025, raising suspicions of her role in a larger gold smuggling syndicate involving hawala transactions.
Ranya Rao has alleged physical assault, coercion, and forced signing of blank documents during her detention by the DRI, claims the agency denies.
Authorities have also uncovered gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash from Rao's residence, with multiple agencies probing the case's national and international links.