Kannada actress Ranya Rao, daughter of a senior IPS officer, was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold worth approximately Rs 12.5 crore from Dubai.
The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) had been monitoring her movements due to her frequent international trips, particularly after she visited Dubai four times within 15 days.
Ranya allegedly wore most of the gold as jewelry and concealed gold bars in her belt to avoid detection. Upon arrival, she would claim to be the daughter of Karnataka's Director General of Police and request police escort to drop her home.
The DRI is investigating whether Ranya had any backing from law enforcement personnel or if she misused her connections. She has been remanded to 14 days in judicial custody.
Who is Ranya Rao?
Born on May 28, 1993, in Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, Ranya Rao made her acting debut with the 2014 Kannada film "Maanikya". She has also acted in other notable films like "Wagah" (2016) and "Pataki" (2017).
Family’s reaction
Ranya’s father K Ramachandra Rao has distanced himself from the case. He revealed that Ranya had married architect Jatin Hukkeri four months ago and had not been in contact with the family since. On the arrest, he said, "She has let us down. If she has done anything wrong, the law will take its course."