Indian actress arrested in Bengaluru for smuggling 14.8kg gold

Indian actress Ranya Rao was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) at Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold into India.

The arrest followed a tip-off and surveillance of her frequent international travels, including four trips to Dubai within just 15 days.

Kannada actress Ranya, who arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai on Monday night, was intercepted by DRI officials. Authorities recovered the gold, which she had discreetly concealed on her person, including gold bars hidden within her clothing. The actress, known for her role in the film Maanikya alongside Kannada superstar Sudeep, has appeared in several South Indian films and is the daughter of a senior IPS officer serving as a Director General of Police (DGP) in Karnataka.

The DRI revealed that Ranya often claimed to be the DGP’s daughter upon arrival and reportedly requested local police escorts to her home. This has raised suspicions about potential connections within law enforcement, and the agency is investigating whether any officers were involved, knowingly or unknowingly, in her smuggling activities.

After her arrest, Ranya was taken to the DRI headquarters for questioning. She was later produced in court and remanded to 14-day judicial custody. The case has sparked widespread attention, given her celebrity status and her family’s high-profile background.

The DRI’s investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the extent of Ranya’s alleged smuggling network and any possible accomplices. This incident highlights the challenges faced by Indian agencies in curbing gold smuggling, a lucrative illegal trade often linked to international travel and organized crime.

Ranya’s arrest marks a significant development in the fight against smuggling, with the DRI vowing to take strict action against those involved in such activities.