Kannada film actress Ranya Rao has been arrested at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kg of gold worth ₹12.86 crore. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended her after she attempted to evade customs by strapping 14 gold bars to her thighs using tape and bandages. The investigation revealed her frequent trips to Dubai and Malaysia, raising suspicions of a larger smuggling network. Further searches at her residence led to the seizure of jewellery worth ₹2.06 crore and ₹2.67 crore in cash.
Ranya Rao, the stepdaughter of a senior Karnataka IPS officer, was remanded to judicial custody until March 18. The DRI is now seeking her custody for further questioning, citing her 27 visits to Dubai in the past six months. Her arrest marks one of the biggest gold seizures at Bengaluru Airport in recent times, highlighting growing concerns over high-profile involvement in smuggling activities.
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