The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) conducted a raid at the home of Kannada actress Ranya Rao in Bengaluru following her arrest for smuggling 14.2 kg of gold valued at Rs 12.56 crore via Kempegowda International Airport.
The investigation at her residence on Lavelle Road resulted in the seizure of gold ornaments valued at Rs 2.06 crore and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. According to the DRI, it is one of the largest gold smuggling incidents at Bengaluru airport in recent times, with a total seizure amounting to Rs 17.29 crore.
Ranya, 32, had caught the DRI’s attention because of her regular international trips. Authorities discovered that she had traveled to Dubai four times in 15 days, prompting concerns about potential smuggling activities. Consequently, a focused operation was initiated, and she was apprehended when she arrived from Dubai on March 3 aboard an Emirates flight.
A thorough investigation resulted in the finding of gold bars cleverly hidden on her person, after which she was arrested. Sources suggest that a significant amount of the illicit gold was concealed within her jacket.
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The actress is the daughter from a previous marriage of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who holds the position of DGP at Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. Authorities believe she possibly tried to use her relationships to avoid customs inspections.
Ranya debuted in the Kannada film Maanikya, which was produced by and featured Sudeep in 2014.
