Actress Ranya Rao arrested for smuggling gold worth Rs.12.56 cr
Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested on Wednesday at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling gold from Dubai. Authorities seized gold bars worth Rs.12.56 crore, weighing nearly 15 kilograms, from her possession. As the investigation progresses, new shocking details continue to emerge in the case.
Frequent Dubai tips & smuggling modus operandi
Ranya Rao, who is the stepdaughter of senior Karnataka IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, allegedly traveled to Dubai 30 times in the past year. Each time, she reportedly smuggled kilos of gold back into India. Sources revealed that Rao was paid Rs.1 lakh per kilogram of smuggled gold, which means she earned approximately Rs.12-13 lakh per trip.
Investigators also discovered that Rao used modified jackets and waist belts to carry out her smuggling activities. She repeatedly reused the same jackets and belts to conceal the gold during her travels. When she was arrested by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), she had hidden the gold bars inside a customized jacket.
Authorities kept Rao under surveillance
Due to her frequent Dubai visits, authorities had been monitoring Ranya Rao for some time. She was reportedly intercepted by DRI officials on her return to Bengaluru on Wednesday, just before she cleared airport security.
During questioning, Rao initially mentioned her connection to IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, who serves as DGP of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation. However, the prior intelligence tip-off led officials to frisk her, resulting in the gold seizure.
Total seizure valued at Rs.17.29 crore
In addition to the gold bars worth Rs.12.56 crore, authorities seized assets worth Rs.4.73 crore, bringing the total value of the confiscated items to Rs.17.29 crore.
Father’s reaction to the arrest
IPS officer Ramachandra Rao reacted to the news of his stepdaughter’s arrest, expressing shock and disappointment. He stated:
“I was also shocked and devastated when I came to know about this through the media. I was unaware of any such activities. Like any other father, I was shocked. She does not live with us; she stays separately with her husband. There may be some family issues between them. However, the law will take its course. There is no black mark in my career. I do not wish to comment further.”
The investigation into the case is ongoing as officials continue to uncover more details about Ranya Rao’s involvement in gold smuggling operations.
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