South Indian Kannada film industry’s popular actress, Ranya Rao, has been arrested for gold smuggling. She was apprehended at Bengaluru International Airport on the night of March 3 by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI). This news has created a significant stir.
According to an NDTV report, officials confirmed that 14.8 kg of gold was seized from Ranya Rao. She had arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai, and it is believed that the gold was sourced from there.
Authorities reported that Ranya was under surveillance due to her frequent international travels, and she was suspected of being involved in smuggling.
After her arrest, she was presented in an economic offense court and has been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days. Investigating officers have claimed that Ranya Rao was attempting to smuggle the gold by hiding gold bars within her clothing.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the actress used her fame to try to bypass customs checks. She allegedly identified herself as the daughter of the Karnataka Police Director General. When that didn’t work, she attempted to contact local police officers for assistance to leave the airport easily. However, customs officials, while checking her, found the gold.
It has also been revealed that Ranya Rao is not alone in this smuggling operation and may be linked to a larger smuggling network.
Ranya Rao gained overnight fame in 2014 with her role in the Kannada film Manikya, starring alongside Sudeep. She has since appeared in several other South Indian films.