Ranya Rao had travelled to Dubai four times in 15 days, prompting authorities to conduct a targeted operation upon her return.
Ranya Rao, an actor and the daughter of a senior IPS officer, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence at Bengaluru International Airport after she was found in possession of 14.8 kg of gold. The DRI busted the major smuggling racket, termed to be the biggest seizure of gold at the Bengaluru airport, while Rao was just one step away from clearing the airport security.
Ranya Rao was presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody.
Acting on specific intelligence, DRI officers intercepted Rao, who had arrived from Dubai to Bengaluru via Emirates flight on March 3, 2025. Upon examination, gold bars weighing 14.8 kg were found ingeniously concealed on the person. The contraband, valued at Rs. 12.56 crore, was seized under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962.
Following the interception, DRI officers conducted a search at her residential premises located at Lavelle Road, Bengaluru, where she resides with her husband, sources reported.
The search resulted in the seizure of gold jewelry worth Rs. 2.06 crore and Indian currency amounting to Rs. 2.67 crore.
The total seizure in the case stands at Rs. 17.29 crore, marking a significant blow to organised gold smuggling networks.
Travelled Multiple Times To Dubai
According to sources, Ranya Rao had travelled to Dubai four times in 15 days, prompting authorities to conduct a targeted operation upon her return. In addition to this, she was seen wearing the same clothes every time she travelled to Dubai.
The actress may have attempted to use her connections to bypass customs checks, preliminary investigations suggested.