Kannada Actor Ranya Rao Arrested in ₹12.56 Crore Gold Smuggling Case

Authorities uncover a suspected smuggling syndicate after Ranya Rao was caught with 14 kg of gold at Bengaluru airport, with links to Dubai and alleged misuse of VIP privileges.

Ranya Rao, a Kannada actor and stepdaughter of Karnataka's DGP, was arrested on March 3 at Bengaluru airport for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.56 crore from Dubai.
Rao admitted to learning smuggling techniques from YouTube, using adhesive tape to conceal gold bars on her body and hiding smaller pieces in her shoes and clothing.
Frequent international travel raised suspicions, with Rao making 27 trips to Dubai in the last six months, including four trips in just 15 days.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) suspects a larger smuggling syndicate and has sought assistance from the CBI and ED, with raids currently underway in Bengaluru.
Authorities allege Rao used her stepfather's position to bypass airport security, and further investigations are examining possible hawala money transfers.