Who is Ranya Rao? Kannada actress arrested at Bengaluru airport for alleged smuggling of 15 kg gold from Dubai

The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has arrested Kannada actress Ranya Rao at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold, valued at approximately Rs 12.5 crore. Officials confirmed the arrest on Tuesday, stating that she was apprehended on Monday night and subsequently presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody.

According to PTI, Rao had arrived from Dubai on an Emirates flight and was reportedly under surveillance due to her frequent international travel. Authorities became suspicious after noting that she had visited Dubai four times within just 15 days, prompting them to conduct a targeted operation upon her return.

Investigators revealed that the actress had allegedly smuggled the gold by wearing a significant portion of it and concealing gold bars within her clothing. Upon landing, she reportedly attempted to use her connections to evade customs checks. According to sources, Rao claimed to be the daughter of Karnataka's Director General of Police and even contacted local police personnel to escort her home.


Following her arrest, she was taken to the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru's HBR Layout for questioning. Officials are now probing whether she acted alone or was part of a larger smuggling network operating between Dubai and India. Additionally, authorities are investigating whether any law enforcement officers, including her IPS relative, were aware of or unwittingly assisted in her activities.

Who is Ranya Rao?

Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer K. Ramachandra Rao. He currently holds the position of Director-General of Police at the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.

Hailing from Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, Ranya Rao has made a name for herself in the film industry with notable roles in movies such as Pataki, Maanikya, and Wagah.