By Savikalpa Thapa
Ranya Rao, a Kannada actress, was arrested on Monday at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence after she was caught with gold bars worth Rs 12 crore. Her arrest triggered a raid at her Lavelle Road premises, where officials seized extra cash and gold to the tune of Rs 17.29 crore in total recovery.
Ranya Rao, 32, was intercepted by DRI officials on her arrival from Dubai on an Emirates flight. The agency was keeping tabs on her repeated international journeys and had noted that she had flown to Dubai four times over a span of 15 days.
Officials acted on intelligence that Rao was smuggling gold, allegedly concealing it in her clothing and belt.
Reports suggest that the actress was almost successful in clearing security before being intercepted. DRI officials discovered 14.2 kg of gold ingeniously concealed on her and her associates, who were reportedly carrying briefcases filled with gold bars. The seized contraband, worth Rs 12.56 crore, was confiscated in accordance with the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Subsequent to the arrest, DRI officers conducted a raid at Rao’s luxury apartment in Bengaluru, seizing Rs. 2.67 crore in cash and additional gold worth Rs 2.06 crore.
Authorities are now investigating if any police personnel were involved in the smuggling racket. Officials also shared that Rao had used her father’s name to avoid suspicion, even taking the help of police for an escort from the airport.
Ranya Rao is the daughter of Ramachandra Rao, director general of police. However, the latter has publicly distanced himself from her, clarifying that ever since her marriage four months ago, they have not been in contact. His position in law enforcement has attracted further scrutiny regarding the possibility of insider involvement in the smuggling operation.