Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested for Smuggling Gold Worth Rs12 Crore – Learn More​

In a startling turn of events, Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold into India. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) detained her upon her arrival from Dubai, acting on intelligence gathered from her frequent trips to the Gulf region. This incident has not only shocked the film fraternity but also raised questions due to her familial connections, as she is the stepdaughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police (Police Housing Corporation), Ramachandra Rao. ​

Background

Born in 1991 in Chikmagalur, Karnataka, Ranya Rao pursued engineering at Dayananda Sagar College of Engineering in Bengaluru before venturing into acting. She made her cinematic debut in 2014 with the Kannada film “Maanikya,” directed by and starring Sudeep. Ranya expanded her repertoire by entering Tamil cinema with the 2016 film “Wagah,” where she played the female lead opposite Vikram Prabhu. In 2017, she appeared in the Kannada comedy “Pataki,” portraying a journalist alongside actor Ganesh.

The Arrest of Ranya Rao

Ranya Rao’s arrest unfolded on March 3, 2025, when DRI officials intercepted her at Bengaluru airport following her arrival from Dubai. Authorities had been monitoring her due to her frequent international travel, noting that she had flown to Dubai four times within a span of 15 days, which aroused suspicion. Upon searching her belongings, officials discovered 14.8 kilograms of gold ingeniously concealed on her person and within her luggage. ​

Investigation and Legal Proceedings

Following her arrest, Ranya was presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days of judicial custody. Investigators are probing whether she acted independently or as part of a larger smuggling syndicate operating between Dubai and India. Additionally, there is scrutiny over whether any law enforcement officers, including her stepfather, were aware of or inadvertently assisted in her activities. ​

Implications and Reactions

The arrest of a public figure like Ranya Rao has sent shockwaves through the Kannada film industry and the general public. Her familial ties to a high-ranking police official have intensified media attention and public discourse. Authorities are now meticulously investigating her travel history and associations to uncover any potential links to broader smuggling operations. ​

Conclusion

Ranya Rao’s arrest for allegedly smuggling gold has spotlighted the issue of gold smuggling in India and the potential involvement of individuals from diverse backgrounds. As investigations proceed, the case underscores the challenges faced by law enforcement in curbing such illicit activities and the complexities introduced when public figures are implicated.

Also Read:

SBI Pays Abhishek Bachchan ₹2.16 Crore for Juhu Property Lease—Learn More