Ranya Rao’s gold smuggling case: 5 Big police revelations

Kannada actress Ranya Rao landed in legal trouble after authorities arrested her at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) on March 3. She arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight, where the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had set up surveillance based on a tip-off. Officers took her into custody immediately after she landed.

The next day, a special court for financial offenses sent her to judicial custody until March 18. Before being placed in custody, she underwent a medical check-up at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru.

Ranya Rao, known for her roles in Maanikya and Pataki, is the stepdaughter of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation’s Director General of Police (DGP) Ramachandra Rao. The DGP distanced himself from the incident, stating, “The law will do its job. There is no black mark on my career.” He claimed he learned about the case only through media reports.

Key Police Revelations

1. Massive Gold Seizure
   Officials confiscated 14.8 kg of gold from Ranya Rao, making it one of the largest smuggling cases at KIA. The Ministry of Finance confirmed that the gold bars were of foreign origin and worth ₹12.56 crore. With additional assets worth ₹4.73 crore, the total seizure amounted to ₹17.29 crore.
2. Frequent Dubai Trips Raised Suspicion
   Ranya Rao made four Dubai trips within 15 days, triggering suspicions. She had traveled there 30 times in the past year. Despite no clear business or family ties overseas, she frequently flew with her husband, architect Jatin Hukkeri. Investigators believe she used her father’s influence to bypass customs checks.
3. Smuggling Network Links
   DRI officers suspect she was part of a larger gold smuggling operation. They had been monitoring her for months, noting a pattern in her travels. Authorities believe she used police escorts to evade strict airport security checks.
4. Claims of Forced Involvement
   During interrogation, Ranya Rao claimed someone forced her into smuggling. However, officials suspect she willingly participated in the operation, transporting several kilograms of gold on each trip.
5. Alleged Payment Per Trip
   Sources revealed that Ranya Rao earned ₹1 lakh per kilogram of gold smuggled. She allegedly made ₹12-13 lakh per trip, suggesting a well-organized operation.

Authorities booked her under the Customs Act, 1962. The investigation continues to uncover any deeper connections to smuggling networks.