Ranya Rao, a prominent actress in the Kannada film industry, has been implicated in a large-scale gold smuggling network. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested her at Bengaluru airport with gold valued at ₹12.56 crore.
Entertainment: Kannada film industry's renowned actress Ranya Rao has been found involved in a major gold smuggling racket. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) arrested her at Bengaluru airport with gold worth ₹12.56 crore. Subsequently, a raid on her residence yielded ₹2.67 crore in cash and jewelry worth ₹2.07 crore.
Thirty Trips to Dubai in a Year
Investigations revealed that the 33-year-old actress had visited Dubai 30 times in the past year. Reports suggest she smuggled gold using modified jackets and special belts. She allegedly received ₹1 lakh per kilogram of smuggled gold, earning approximately ₹13 lakh per trip.
Sources indicate Ranya is the stepdaughter of Ramchandra Rao, an IPS officer of the rank of DGP in Karnataka. Ramchandra Rao currently serves as the Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. However, the state government has clarified that the law will take its course, irrespective of the accused's connections to influential individuals.
Assets Worth ₹17.29 Crore Seized So Far
The DRI, in a major crackdown on this organized gold smuggling network, has seized assets totaling ₹17.29 crore. This includes property worth ₹4.73 crore. Officials state that the 14.2 kilograms of gold seized from Ranya is one of the largest hauls apprehended at Bengaluru airport in recent years.
The actress has been arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, and remanded to 14 days of judicial custody. Meanwhile, Ranya has claimed in her statement to the police that she was coerced into smuggling and blackmailed into becoming part of the network.
Government's Firm Stance
Reacting to the case, A.S. Ponnan, the legal advisor to the Chief Minister of Karnataka, stated, "Whether this case involves a VIP or a common citizen, the law is equal for all. If there is any official collusion, the investigation will reveal it." Officials suspect the smuggling network may be linked to an international syndicate. The DRI is now investigating whether other film personalities are involved.
This case once again highlights that the glamorous world of entertainment can conceal many secrets. This high-profile arrest has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry.
