Ranya Rao smuggling scandal deepens as DRI recovers Rs 2.1 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.7 crore cash from Kannada actor’s Bengaluru home

More gold and cash have been found in Kannada actor Ranya Rao’s posh Bengaluru apartment as the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) continues its investigation into her alleged involvement in a gold smuggling network. Officials seized gold worth Rs 2 crore and Rs 2.7 crore in cash from her Lavelle Road residence on Wednesday.

What Led to Ranya Rao’s Arrest?

Ranya was caught at Bengaluru airport on Monday night while returning from Dubai with 14.2 kg of gold hidden in a belt strapped to her body. Following her arrest, DRI officials searched her home, bringing the total value of seized assets to Rs 17.3 crore.

Jewellery Store Under Investigation

A jewellery boutique in Bengaluru’s central business district is now under scrutiny. According to a TOI report, the gold found in Ranya’s apartment was sourced from a designer jewellery store on Lavelle Road. Officials are also investigating a possible link to a prominent politician and how the payments were made.

Legal Action and Family’s Response

Ranya has been charged under the Customs Act, 1962. Her husband and family members may also be questioned. Speaking to ANI, her father Ramachandra Rao, a senior IPS officer and DGP of Karnataka Police Housing Corporation, expressed shock. "Like any other father, I was devastated when I found out through the media. She lives separately, and I was unaware of any of this. My career has always been clean," he said.

Government’s Stand on the Case

State Home Minister G Parameshwara stated that the government will not comment while the DRI investigation is ongoing. "It is being handled by a central agency. We will wait for the DRI to complete the probe and submit a report," he said.

The investigation is still underway, and further details are expected to emerge soon.

Inputs from TOI