Karnataka: Kannada film actress Ranya Rao was apprehended at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night, accused of attempting to smuggle 14.8 kilograms of gold into India from Dubai. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) officials detained her upon arrival, leading to her subsequent remand in judicial custody for 14 days.
Background and Arrest Details
Ranya Rao, known for her roles in Kannada cinema, arrived in Bengaluru on an Emirates flight from Dubai. Authorities had been monitoring her due to her frequent travels between India and Dubai, reportedly making four trips in just 15 days. This unusual travel pattern raised suspicions, prompting the DRI to initiate a targeted operation. Upon her flight’s landing around 7 pm, officials intercepted her and conducted a thorough search. They allegedly discovered 14.8 kilograms of gold concealed on her person and within her clothing.
Investigation Insights
Preliminary investigations suggest that Rao employed various methods to smuggle the gold, including wearing significant portions as jewelry and hiding gold bars within her attire. There are also indications that she might have leveraged her connections to bypass customs checks in previous instances. However, during questioning, Rao maintained that her trips to Dubai were for business purposes.
Judicial Proceedings
Following her arrest, officials presented Rao before an economic offenses court the next day. The court ordered her 14-day judicial custody, allowing authorities to investigate the smuggling allegations further.
Ranya Rao’s Film Career
Ranya Rao made her acting debut in 2014 with the Kannada film “Maanikya,” directed by and starring Sudeep. She later ventured into Tamil cinema, appearing in the 2016 film “Wagah” opposite Vikram Prabhu. In 2017, she played the role of a journalist named Sangeetha in the Kannada comedy “Pataki,” alongside actor Ganesh.
Gold Smuggling Trends at Bengaluru Airport
Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport has witnessed a surge in gold smuggling attempts in recent years. Smugglers have employed innovative methods to evade customs officials. Customs officials caught a passenger concealing 40 pieces of gold within packets of dry fruits. In another case, they found a woman wearing a blouse embedded with gold paste worth approximately Rs.17.9 lakh. Over a span of 15 days, authorities seized smuggled gold valued at Rs.4.8 crore, leading to the arrest of five individuals, including three women.
The arrest of Ranya Rao underscores the escalating issue of gold smuggling in India and the lengths individuals may go to circumvent customs regulations. As investigations proceed, authorities aim to uncover the broader network potentially involved in such illicit activities. The incident highlights customs officials’ vigilance at major airports in preventing gold smuggling and enforcing strict law compliance.
