Kannada actor Ranya Rao, known for her dynamic roles, was arrested earlier this month at the Bengaluru airport with 14.8 kg of gold. Authorities revealed that the funds used for the purchase of this gold were routed through hawala channels, according to the anti-smuggling agency, DRI. This shocking revelation has raised questions about her financial dealings and potential involvement in larger smuggling operations.
Key Developments in the Ranya Rao Gold Smuggling Case
During Ranya Rao’s bail plea hearing, advocate Madhu Rao, representing the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), stated that the authorities issued a notice under Section 108 to initiate a judicial inquiry against the actor. This investigation aims to uncover the extent of financial irregularities and potential violations of the law associated with Ranya Rao.
Ranya Rao’s bail plea has faced rejection twice—first by a lower court and then by the Special Court for Economic Offences. The latest hearing concluded with the court reserving its order for March 27. The case continues to attract significant media attention.
Suspicious Travel Patterns
The DRI’s claims about Ranya Rao’s involvement in gold smuggling emerged after they alleged she and her friend Tarun Raju made 26 trips to Dubai. They would leave in the morning and return by evening, raising suspicions about their activities. Tarun, also an actor, is an accused in the case, and it has been revealed that Ranya sent money to his account and booked his ticket for these trips.
Furthermore, Ranya Rao’s travel history includes 52 trips to Dubai between 2023 and 2025. Alarmingly, 45 of these trips were single-day round trips. In January 2025 alone, she traveled to Dubai 27 times, passing through Bengaluru, Goa, and Mumbai.
Details of the Arrest
On March 3, Ranya Rao was arrested after a personal search at the Bengaluru airport led to the discovery of gold bars concealed around her waist and calves. Additional gold bars and cut pieces were found in her shoes and front pockets. The recovered gold weighed 14.2 kg and was valued at over Rs 12.56 crore. Ranya has been charged under the Customs Act and the Prevention of Smuggling Activities Act.
The Protocol Officer assisting Ranya during her travels has suggested that he acted under specific instructions from DGP Ramchandra Rao, her stepfather. Ramchandra Rao has since been placed on compulsory leave amid the uproar surrounding the gold smuggling case.
For more updates on this unfolding situation, visit The Hans Bharat.
