Gold smuggling: What led to actor Ranya Rao’s arrest revealed

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SHIMON SHARMA

The North News

Chandigarh, March 12

Kannada actor Ranya Rao landed on Emirates Flight EK 566 on March 3, 2025, and attempted to pass through the Green Channel, designated for passengers with no dutiable goods to declare. Acting on specific intelligence, officers from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted her for questioning.

When asked whether she was carrying any dutiable goods, including gold or other restricted items, she denied having any. However, a metal detector scan alerted officials to the presence of concealed metal. A subsequent personal search led to the discovery of gold bars fastened to her waist and calves with crepe bandages and tissues, while additional gold bars and cut pieces were hidden in her shoes and trouser pockets, the NDTV reported.

The seized gold, confirmed to be 24-karat and weighing 14.2 kg, is valued at over ₹12.56 crore. Rao failed to provide purchase receipts or legal documentation for the gold. She was arrested under anti-smuggling laws, and officials are now investigating whether she was acting alone or linked to a larger smuggling network, the news outlet said.

Kannada actor Ranya Rao was arrested for allegedly smuggling 14.2 kilograms of gold after arriving at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport (KIAL) from Dubai, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials said, according to NDTV.