Kannada actor Ranya Rao, daughter of Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation) K Ramachandra Rao, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on March 3 for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold worth over Rs 12 crore from Dubai.
DRI officials intercepted Ranya based on a tip-off and conducted a search, finding gold bars hidden in a belt strapped to her body, along with 800 grams of gold ornaments. She was subsequently produced before the Special Court for Economic Offences on March 4 and remanded to judicial custody for 14 days.
Ranya, known for her roles in Kannada and Tamil films such as Maanikya, Pataki, and Wagah, is suspected to be part of a larger smuggling syndicate operating through Bengaluru airport. Following her arrest, DRI officials conducted a search and seizure operation at her Bengaluru residence.
According to media reports, Ranya had been under surveillance due to her frequent international travels, making over ten trips to Dubai in recent months despite having no known business interests there. Authorities became suspicious after noticing her multiple short-duration visits to the Gulf. A DRI team was deployed to intercept her, and upon her arrival at KIA, she attempted to bypass security checks.
On March 2, she was reportedly escorted from the International Airport Police Station and walked out of the airport without being frisked. A constable from the airport police station allegedly attempted to escort her out, but DRI officers intervened. During the search, officers discovered gold bars concealed in a belt she was wearing. Officials noted that she appeared extremely confident and showed no signs of nervousness. However, her attire during previous trips raised further suspicions, as in her last four visits over the past 15 days, she wore similar clothing, strategically concealing the belt.
Investigators suspect that Ranya took advantage of official protocol services meant for senior bureaucrats, including IPS officers, to avoid frisking. A protocol officer would meet her at the terminal and escort her out, ensuring she wasn’t subjected to physical screening. She would then be picked up in a government vehicle, thereby evading scrutiny.
The constable who escorted her was detained for questioning by DRI officials, with his statement recorded before he was released. Authorities are now investigating whether any law enforcement officers knowingly assisted Ranya or were misled into facilitating her activities. They are also probing whether her father’s position played any role in allowing her to bypass security checks.
Following her detention, Ranya reportedly claimed she was blackmailed and forced into smuggling gold. Officials are currently verifying this claim as part of the ongoing investigation.
Reacting to the incident, DGP K Ramachandra Rao distanced himself from his daughter's actions, stating, “Ranya married Jatin Hukkeri, an architect specialising in designing pubs and microbreweries, four months ago. She has not visited us since her wedding. We have no knowledge of her or her husband’s business. This news has come as a huge shock and disappointment. She has let us down. If there’s any wrongdoing, the law will take its course,” he told The Times of India.