Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Wednesday for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai. Authorities seized nearly 15 kilograms of gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from her possession. As the probe unfolds, shocking details about her smuggling operations have emerged.

Frequent Dubai Trips & Smuggling Network

Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, had reportedly traveled to Dubai around 30 times in the past year. Sources indicate that she smuggled gold on each trip, earning approximately ₹1 lakh per kilogram. This translates to an estimated ₹12-13 lakh per trip.

Investigators revealed that she used specially modified jackets and waist belts to transport the gold discreetly. During her arrest by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), she was found concealing gold bars inside a custom-made jacket.

How Ranya Rao Was Caught

Authorities had been tracking Ranya’s frequent Dubai trips, and she was intercepted by DRI officials upon her return on Wednesday, just before clearing airport security. Initially, she attempted to use her connection to IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, claiming to be his daughter. However, based on prior intelligence, officials frisked her and discovered the hidden gold.

Seized Assets & Family Response

The total value of assets seized in connection with the case has reached ₹17.29 crore, including properties worth ₹4.73 crore.

Reacting to the arrest, Ramachandra Rao expressed disbelief, stating that he was unaware of her activities. He mentioned that his daughter lived separately with her husband and speculated that personal issues might have played a role. “As a father, I was deeply shocked when I first heard about this through the media. The law will take its own course,” he told ANI.