The Kannada actor Ranya Rao with dark circles around her eyes, the actress reportedly broke down in the courtroom while speaking to her lawyers, expressing mental trauma over the incident.
Popular Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, also known as Harshavardini Ranya, was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) on March 3 at Bengaluru International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.2 kg of gold valued at Rs 12.56 crore into India from Dubai.
The arrest has unearthed a suspected gold smuggling syndicate, with the DRI now investigating a larger conspiracy.
Ranya Rao Sent to DRI Custody for Three Days
A special court for economic offences in Bengaluru on March 8 granted the DRI three-day custody of Rao to probe deeper into the smuggling racket. The court noted that the alleged modus operandi involved Rao wrapping gold bars with crepe bandages and tissues around her body to evade detection at customs.
The DRI stated in its affidavit that Rao was attempting to evade customs duty amounting to Rs 4.83 crore by concealing the gold on her person.
Frequent Dubai Trips Raised Suspicion
Authorities revealed that Rao traveled to Dubai 27 times in the last six months, which raised suspicions and led to her being monitored. During interrogation, the actress allegedly claimed to be a freelancer in Dubai’s real estate sector and admitted to carrying 17 pieces of gold bars upon her arrival from Emirates flight EK 568 on March 3.
Ranya Rao’s VIP Airport Access Under Scrutiny
One of the key angles in the investigation is the alleged misuse of VIP protocols at the Bengaluru International Airport. Reports suggest that a protocol official was present to receive Rao and help her exit the airport without undergoing the stringent checks that regular passengers face.
Emotional Breakdown in Court
When presented in court on March 8, Ranya Rao appeared visibly distressed, with dark circles around her eyes. She reportedly broke down while speaking to her lawyers, expressing deep regret.
“I keep thinking why did I get into it. My mind keeps going back to the day at the airport. I cannot sleep… I am having mental trauma,” she reportedly told her legal team.
DRI Raids Actress’s Residence
Following her arrest, the DRI conducted a raid at her residence, where they seized jewelry and cash worth Rs 4.73 crore. The agency is also investigating whether Rao has previously smuggled gold through similar means.
Connections to High-Profile Officials
Reports indicate that Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of a senior DGP-rank IPS officer in Karnataka. While authorities have not officially commented on any potential influence, her high-profile connections and frequent Dubai visits have become a significant part of the investigation.
What’s Next?
The DRI will continue its probe into the smuggling network, with Rao in custodial interrogation until March 10. Investigators are examining forensic extracts from her mobile phone and laptop to uncover potential links to an international smuggling syndicate.
This incident marks one of the biggest gold seizures at Bengaluru International Airport in recent times, and further developments in the case are expected in the coming days.
Read More: Customs TVM Zone Foils 4 Gold Smuggling Attempts; Seizes Gold Worth Rs. 2.72 Crore
