Mugdha Das

Kannada actor Ranya Rao arrested in Bengaluru for smuggling gold

Digital Desk: On March 2, 2025, Kannada film actor Ranya Rao, 33, was detained by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport while attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold, valued at over ₹12 crore, from Dubai. The Kannada and Tamil actress Ranya has acted in three films. 

After making four trips to Dubai in a 15-day period, Ranya Rao was reportedly under the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence's (DRI) observation.

The actor, who had boarded an Emirates flight from Dubai to Bengaluru on March 3, was taken into custody by the DRI agents after receiving a tip. Rao, who is 33 years old, is accused of smuggling the gold by hiding the bars in her jacket. According to investigators, she might have gotten over the customs checks by using her connections. She is thought to have contacted the local police to request an escort from the airport after being detained by the DRI officials.

Gold bars weighing 14.2 kg and valued at Rs 12.56 crore were discovered cleverly hidden upon investigation. In accordance with the 1962 Customs Act, the gold bars were seized.

After the arrest, DRI agents searched her home, which is on Lavelle Road in Bengaluru and is where she and her spouse stay. Indian money totaling Rs. 2.67 crore and gold jewellery valued at Rs. 2.06 crore were seized as a result of the search. She has been remanded to judicial custody and placed under arrest in accordance with the applicable provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.

The question of whether Ranya was working alone or as a member of a gold smuggling organization in Dubai and India is currently being thoroughly investigated by officials.

With a total recovery of Rs. 17.29 crore, the case dealt a serious blow to organized gold smuggling networks. One of the largest gold seizures at Bengaluru International Airport in recent history is the 14.2 kg haul.