Kannada Actress Ranya Rao Arrested for Alleged 15 kg Gold Sm

In a shocking development, Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. The gold, valued at approximately Rs 12.5 crore, was reportedly concealed by the actress in her clothing, with a significant portion worn as jewelry. Following her arrest, Rao was presented before an economic offences court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody.

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Arrest of Ranya Rao: The Details

The arrest of Ranya Rao, a popular Kannada actress known for her role in films such as Maanikya, Pataki, and Wagah, has raised eyebrows due to her high-profile background. Rao, who hails from Chikkamagaluru, Karnataka, was under surveillance by authorities due to her frequent international travel. She had reportedly visited Dubai four times within a span of just 15 days, which led to suspicion among law enforcement agencies. A targeted operation was carried out on her return, resulting in her arrest.

Alleged Smuggling Method

Investigators revealed that Rao attempted to smuggle the gold by wearing a significant portion of it as jewelry while concealing gold bars within her clothing. Upon landing in Bengaluru, it is believed that she attempted to use her connections to evade the standard customs checks. In a bid to further avoid detection, Rao allegedly claimed to be the daughter of Karnataka’s Director General of Police, K. Ramachandra Rao, and requested police protection to escort her home.

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Background of Ranya Rao

Ranya Rao’s connection to the police force adds an additional layer of complexity to this case. She is the stepdaughter of K. Ramachandra Rao, a senior Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who currently serves as the Director-General of Police at the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. Despite her notable connections, authorities are now investigating whether any law enforcement officials, including her IPS relative, were aware of her activities or whether they were inadvertently deceived into assisting her.

Rao is known for her roles in Kannada films, particularly in the 2014 film Maanikya, where she starred opposite superstar Sudeep. Her arrest has caught widespread attention, given her status in the local film industry and her apparent efforts to use her connections to avoid legal scrutiny.

Investigation and Ongoing Probes

Since her arrest, the DRI has taken the actress to their headquarters in Bengaluru’s HBR Layout for questioning. Authorities are delving deeper into the details of the alleged gold smuggling operation. Investigators are trying to determine whether Rao acted individually or if she was part of a larger smuggling network that operates between Dubai and India.

The fact that Rao made multiple trips to Dubai in a short span has raised questions about her involvement in potentially organized smuggling operations. DRI officials are also examining whether any customs officers or law enforcement personnel were complicit or unknowingly assisted her in evading the checks.

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Legal Proceedings

After her arrest on Monday night, Ranya Rao underwent a medical check-up at Bowring Hospital as part of the legal protocols before her court appearance. She was subsequently remanded to judicial custody for 14 days by the economic offences court, and her case is expected to proceed with further investigations in the coming days.

The arrest of Ranya Rao marks a significant development in the battle against gold smuggling in India, particularly in Bengaluru, a key hub for international travel and trade. The case has generated significant media attention due to the actress's involvement and her high-profile connections to law enforcement. As investigations unfold, more details are likely to emerge, shedding light on the scale of the smuggling operation and the potential role of law enforcement personnel in the case.

With inputs from agencies

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