The Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Friday attached assets worth over Rs. 34 crore belonging to Kannada actor Harshavardini Ranya, popularly known as Ranya Rao. The ED alleged that Rao masterminded a sophisticated smuggling operation in collaboration with multiple associates to illegally bring gold into India.
Ranya Rao, 32, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3 at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport after arriving from Dubai. Authorities seized 14.2 kg of gold bars valued at Rs. 12.56 crore from her possession.
According to the ED, the actor’s gold smuggling network was international in scale, sourcing gold from Dubai, Uganda, and other jurisdictions. Payments were reportedly routed through hawala channels, bypassing formal financial systems. In a statement, the agency noted that the possibility of public officials aiding Rao’s activities is under examination, as she received assistance upon her arrival at the airport.
The attached properties include a residence in Victoria Layout, a plot in Arkavathi Layout, industrial land in Tumkur, and agricultural land in Anekal taluk, all located in Karnataka. The fair market value of these assets stands at Rs.34.12 crore.
The ED initiated proceedings under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) after taking cognisance of a CBI FIR and a complaint filed by the DRI in connection with a broader smuggling network. The CBI case also involves the interception of two foreign nationals at Mumbai International Airport with 21.28 kg of foreign-origin gold worth ₹18.92 crore.
Investigators said Rao’s digital trail — including export documents, invoices, remittance records, and chats — confirmed her active role in coordinating the illicit trade. The agency alleged that she worked in collusion with Tarun Konduru Raju and others to carry out the smuggling operation.
To disguise the illegal trade, false customs declarations were reportedly filed in Dubai, listing destinations such as Switzerland and the United States, while the actual destination was India. The ED found that dual travel documents were used to mislead customs authorities and facilitate undetected entry of gold into Indian airports.
Once in India, the gold was sold to local jewellers and other buyers for cash. The proceeds were allegedly laundered through hawala channels to fund future consignments.
Forensic analysis of mobile phones and digital devices seized during raids reportedly revealed coordination with foreign suppliers, hawala operators, and customs agents based in Dubai. A post-arrest search at Rao’s residence led to the recovery of Rs. 2.67 crore in unaccounted cash and gold jewellery worth Rs.2.06 crore.
Although Rao denied ownership of the seized items during questioning, the ED claimed her statements were inconsistent with evidence found, including customs paperwork, travel documents, and electronic communications bearing her name.
The ED has pegged the total proceeds of crime at Rs. 55.62 crore, including Rs. 38.32 crore linked to foreign invoices, customs declarations, and hawala transactions. The attachment of assets, officials said, is aimed at preventing the disposal or concealment of illicit wealth while further investigation continues into other suspected members of the smuggling network.
