Bengaluru: In a major setback for Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has issued her a notice demanding a penalty of ₹102 crore in connection with an alleged gold smuggling racket. Investigators claim the actress was involved in trafficking nearly 127 kg of gold from Dubai to Bengaluru over the past year.
DRI’s Findings and Action
According to the DRI, Rao was directly linked to at least 27 kg of confirmed smuggled gold, while the broader probe indicates her role in transporting over 100 kg of the precious metal. Alongside the fine notice, show-cause notices have also been served to four other accused persons in the case.
The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has already attached properties worth ₹37 crore belonging to Rao. She is currently under arrest under the COFEPOSA Act and remains in DRI custody.
High-Profile Arrest
Earlier this year, Rao was apprehended at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, while attempting to sneak in 14.2 kg of gold valued at ₹12.56 crore. The gold biscuits were strapped to her body using bandages. Authorities allege that Rao leveraged her stepfather’s influence—he is none other than Karnataka DGP K. Ramachandra Rao—to facilitate multiple smuggling attempts.
Rao’s Confession and Modus Operandi
During interrogation, the actress initially insisted it was her first attempt at smuggling. However, subsequent questioning revealed detailed accounts of how she operated:
- She claimed to have been contacted by unknown foreign numbers in late February.
- On March 1, she was instructed to collect gold from Dubai Airport’s Terminal 3, Gate A and deliver it in Bengaluru.
- She admitted to purchasing crepe bandages and scissors from the airport to tape the gold bars onto her body inside a restroom.
- The gold, wrapped in plastic packets, was concealed inside her jeans and shoes.
- Rao said she had learned concealment techniques from YouTube tutorials.
She also confessed that she earned around ₹12 lakh per trip for each successful delivery of smuggled gold.
Mystery Handler
Despite her admissions, Rao denied knowing the identity of the masterminds. She told investigators that her handler spoke with an African-American accent, but she never knew the person’s name or true location.
What Lies Ahead
With both the DRI and ED tightening the probe, Rao faces mounting legal and financial hurdles. The ₹102 crore fine, seizure of assets, and potential long-term imprisonment could mark one of the most high-profile celebrity-linked gold smuggling cases in recent years.
