Bengaluru: Kannada actor Ranya Rao was arrested on Monday night at the Kempegowda International Airport of Bengaluru for allegedly smuggling gold. Rao was reportedly caught carrying 14.8 kilograms of gold by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) from Dubai to India.
She was presented before an economic offences court on Tuesday. The court remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody. She is a stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao.
How Ranya Rao Was Arrested?
According to reports, Rao was travelling to Bengaluru from Dubai on an Emirates flight when she was taken into custody. Notably, she was under the DRI’s radar due to her frequent visits to Dubai. According to news agency PTI, she travelled to Dubai four times in 15 days. It made authorities suspicious. An operation was then launched to arrest her.
According to reports, Rao had almost cleared the airport security check when the authorities found 14.8 kg of gold, valued at Rs. 12.56 crore, in her possession.
Rao allegedly concealed gold bars in her belt and clothing and reportedly used her father’s position to evade detection. Authorities also became suspicious of the Kannada actor’s actions as she was seen wearing the same clothes each time she boarded flights to Dubai, reported News18.
The DRI team had reportedly been tipped off about her involvement in gold smuggling, and they had stationed themselves at the airport two hours prior to her arrival. After her flight landed around 7 PM.
Police Raided Her Flat:
Following Rao’s arrest, the DRI on Wednesday raided her upscale Lavelle Road residence in Bengaluru. Authorities seized Rs 2.06 crore worth of gold and Rs 2.67 crore in cash from the apartment, where she reportedly paid Rs 4.5 lakh in monthly rent, reported ANI.
Before being transferred to custody, the Kannada actor underwent a medical examination at Bowring Hospital in Bengaluru. Authorities are now investigating the matter to find out whether she was part of a larger gang or acting alone.
Her stepfather, DGP Ramachandra Rao (Director General of Police, Police Housing Corporation). he has distanced himself from the case. As per Ramachandra Rao, he has had no contact with her since her marriage four months ago, reported IANS.
Ranya Rao is known for her roles in films like ‘Maanikya’ and ‘Pataki’.
