The seizure of gold from Kannada film actor Ranya is being considered the biggest haul in recent times. The issue has kicked a political storm. Ranya, daughter of a DGP, had been under surveillance. A substantial amount of cash was also found in her possession.
Acting on intelligence inputs, DRI officials intercepted Ranya Rao at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) late on Monday night. During the inspection, authorities discovered that she was attempting to smuggle a staggering 14.2 kilograms of gold, concealed in the form of bars strapped tightly to her body. The estimated market value of the seized gold stands at an astonishing Rs 17.3 crore, making it one of the most high-profile smuggling attempts in recent history.
Following her arrest at the airport, officials proceeded to conduct a thorough search of her residence, an upscale apartment located on Bengaluru’s Lavelle Road. During the raid, authorities uncovered designer gold jewelry worth approximately Rs 2.1 crore. Additionally, cash amounting to Rs 2.7 crore was recovered from her home, raising further suspicions about her involvement in illegal financial dealings and a larger smuggling network.
Ranya Rao, who is the daughter of Karnataka Director General of Police (DGP) (Police Housing Corporation) K Ramachandra Rao, was immediately taken into custody and produced before a magistrate on Tuesday. The court, after reviewing the evidence, ordered her to be remanded to judicial custody for 14 days as investigations continue.
According to officials, Ranya had been under surveillance for some time due to her frequent international travel, particularly to Gulf countries. Records indicate that she had made over ten trips to Gulf nations within this year alone, which raised red flags among law enforcement agencies. An officer stationed at KIA disclosed that her last four trips followed a consistent pattern. She reportedly wore specific attire that enabled her to discreetly conceal the gold belt strapped around her waist, allowing her to pass through security checkpoints without immediate detection.
As the probe deepens, investigators have also turned their attention to a high-end jewelry boutique located in Bengaluru’s central business district. Sources indicate that the seized designer gold ornaments discovered in Ranya’s possession were allegedly procured from this boutique. Authorities are now trying to determine whether the boutique is linked to a larger gold smuggling syndicate or if it was being used as a front to launder illicitly acquired gold.
With such a large-scale seizure and high-profile individuals involved, the case has sent shockwaves across Bengaluru and beyond. DRI officials are continuing their investigation to uncover the full extent of the smuggling operation and to identify any accomplices or key players who might be involved in the illegal trade of smuggled gold. Further interrogations and forensic audits of financial transactions linked to Ranya Rao are expected to shed more light on this high-profile scandal in the coming days.