Kannada Actor Ranya Rao, IPS Officer’s Stepdaughter, Caught Smuggling gold at Bengaluru airport
Authorities arrested Kannada actor Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night for smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) acted on a tip-off and caught her red-handed.
Officials suspected Rao due to her frequent Dubai trips. According to PTI, she had visited four times in 15 days. The DRI team, already stationed at the airport, arrested her after her flight landed around 7 p.m.
Investigators found gold bars hidden in her clothing and jewelry. They believe she used her connections to bypass customs checks. However, Rao claimed she traveled for business.
Officials presented her in an economic offenses court, which sent her to 14 days of judicial custody. Her arrest has sparked controversy, as she is the stepdaughter of DGP Ramachandra Rao.
Ranya Rao debuted in Kannada cinema with Maanikya (2014) and later entered Tamil films with Wagah (2016). Her alleged involvement in gold smuggling has shocked the film industry.
