Kannada actress Ranya Rao has been arrested in connection with a major gold smuggling case after she was allegedly found carrying 14.8 kilograms of gold at Bengaluru's Kempegowda International Airport. Authorities suspect that she was a key player in an illegal smuggling operation between Dubai and India.

Authorities Catch Ranya Rao at Bengaluru Airport

Ranya Rao, known for her roles in Kannada and Tamil films, was detained by officials from the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) upon her arrival from Dubai on Monday night. She was traveling on an Emirates flight when officers intercepted her. Reports indicate that the actress was under surveillance due to her frequent international travels.

According to sources, Ranya Rao had made four trips to Dubai within a span of just 15 days, which raised suspicions among law enforcement officials. The DRI, having received intelligence about her alleged involvement in smuggling, deployed a team at the airport hours before her arrival. As soon as her flight landed, she was taken into custody for questioning.

How Ranya Rao Attempted to Smuggle Gold

Initial investigations suggest that Ranya Rao employed various tactics to smuggle gold into India. Reports indicate that she concealed gold bars within her clothing and even wore a substantial portion of the gold as jewelry to avoid detection at customs.

Authorities also believe that she may have leveraged her influence to bypass security checks during previous trips. However, this time, the DRI officials were prepared and executed a well-coordinated operation to apprehend her.

Judicial Custody and Investigation Underway

Following her arrest, Ranya Rao was presented before a special economic offenses court, which remanded her to 14 days in judicial custody. Investigators are now trying to uncover potential links between her and larger smuggling networks operating between Dubai and India.

The authorities suspect that she was not working alone and are actively tracking down individuals who might have been aiding her in this illegal operation. Further questioning and forensic examination of her travel records are expected to shed more light on the extent of her involvement.

Actress Claims Business Interests in Dubai

During interrogation, Ranya Rao reportedly stated that she frequently traveled to Dubai for business purposes. However, the investigators are skeptical of her claims, given the large quantity of gold found in her possession and her repeated travel pattern in a short period.

The authorities are also probing whether she had any previous undisclosed encounters with customs officials who might have allowed her to pass unchecked. Additionally, they are analyzing her financial transactions to determine if she had been involved in smuggling for a longer duration.

Ranya Rao’s Acting Career and Public Reaction

Ranya Rao made her debut in the Kannada film industry in 2014 with the movie Maanikya, directed by and starring Sudeep. She later expanded her career into Tamil cinema, appearing opposite Vikram Prabhu in Wagah (2016).

The news of her arrest has shocked the film fraternity, with many expressing disbelief over her alleged involvement in smuggling. Fans have taken to social media to share their reactions, with some demanding a thorough investigation while others refuse to believe the accusations.

What Lies Ahead for Ranya Rao?

With the DRI intensifying its probe, Ranya Rao’s legal battle is expected to be long and complex. If found guilty, she could face severe legal consequences, including hefty fines and imprisonment under India’s stringent laws against gold smuggling.

Authorities are now focusing on identifying potential accomplices and tracing the origin and intended destination of the seized gold. The coming days will determine whether Ranya Rao was a mere pawn in a larger smuggling syndicate or played a more active role in the operation.

Stay tuned for further updates as the investigation unfolds.