Bengaluru: After Ranya Rao, a visually impaired man arrested for smuggling nearly 4 kg gold worth Rs 3.5 crore at Kempegowda airport

Customs officials at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru detained a visually impaired passenger for allegedly smuggling gold worth ₹3.44 crore. The arrest took place on March 4 after authorities intercepted the man upon his arrival from Dubai. Officials stated that they had acted on a tip-off.

In a post on X, customs authorities said, "Upon inspection, 3,995.22 grams of gold worth ₹3,44,38,796, concealed under his shirt, was seized, and a smuggling case was registered."

Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case

The arrest occurred a day after Kannada actress Ranya Rao was held at the same airport for smuggling gold. Rao was caught on March 3 carrying 17 gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore. The bars were concealed on her body. Authorities took her into custody, and a court remanded her to judicial custody, granting the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) three days to interrogate her.


On March 4, Rao was produced before a special court for financial offences and was remanded to judicial custody until March 18. Prior to her transfer to custody, she underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru. During her questioning, Rao claimed that her trip to Dubai was for business purposes. However, authorities suspect that her visit was linked to the illegal importation of gold.

Investigators revealed that Rao had traveled to Dubai 27 times over six months. They suspected she was linked to an organized smuggling network and received ₹4-5 lakh per kilogram of gold smuggled.

Stricter Airport Security Measures Announced

Following Rao’s arrest, Bengaluru’s airport tightened security protocols, particularly for individuals with influential backgrounds. Officials believe Rao used her stepfather’s position as a senior police officer to access VIP privileges and bypass standard security checks.

The Karnataka government has since revised its policy on protocol privileges. The new rules restrict such privileges to senior bureaucrats and no longer extend them to their family members or acquaintances, according to The Times of India.