Kannada actress arrested for ‘smuggling’ 14.8 kg gold at Bengaluru Airport
In a major crackdown on gold smuggling, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), Bengaluru, arrested Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport after seizing 14.8 kg of gold from her possession.
Ranya, who arrived in Bengaluru on an Emirates flight from Dubai on Monday night, had been under DRI surveillance due to her frequent international trips. Officials said she managed to wear most of the gold inconspicuously while also concealing gold bars in her clothing.
Ranya is the daughter of a DGP-rank IPS officer serving in Karnataka. Officials are probing if she had any backing from law enforcement personnel. According to preliminary findings, upon arrival at the airport, Ranya would claim to be the daughter of the DGP and would call local police personnel to escort her home. The DRI is now investigating whether these officers had any involvement or were unwittingly used in the smuggling network.
Ranya, known for her role opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep in the movie ‘Maanikya’, has also acted in other South Indian films.
The DRI began monitoring her movements after noticing that she had travelled to Dubai four times in the last 15 days. Acting on this intelligence, the agency intercepted her upon arrival.
Following her arrest, Ranya was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru and interrogated further. She is likely to be produced before a Bengaluru court on Tuesday.
