Kannada film actress Ranya Rao has found herself at the center of a massive gold smuggling scandal after being caught allegedly carrying 14.8 kg of gold from Dubai. This arrest, which took place at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru, is one of the largest gold seizures in recent years. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) has confirmed that the contraband was found on her person during a physical check.

How Did Ranya Rao Smuggle the Gold?

Authorities initially suspected that Ranya Rao had hidden the gold bars in her jacket, but further examination revealed a different method. According to reports, she had taped 14 gold bars, each weighing about one kg, to her thighs using crepe bandages and then worn pants to conceal them. The smuggling operation was designed to evade airport security checks.

Frequent Dubai Visits Raise Questions

The 33-year-old actress, who is also the stepdaughter of a DGP-rank IPS officer in Karnataka, had allegedly traveled to Dubai over 27 times in the last six months, often for short trips lasting 5 to 10 days. The authorities are now investigating whether she was part of a larger gold smuggling syndicate.

Reports also suggest that Ranya Rao used VIP channels at the airport to bypass strict security checks, making it easier for her to smuggle gold into India.

Judicial Custody & Further Investigation

Following her arrest on March 3, Ranya Rao was remanded to judicial custody until March 18 by a special court for economic offences. The DRI has also filed a plea seeking three days of custody starting March 9 to interrogate her further about her repeated Dubai trips and possible connections to organized crime.

Was Ranya Rao Forced into Gold Smuggling?

During the initial interrogation, Ranya Rao claimed that she was forced to carry out the smuggling. However, authorities remain skeptical and are investigating whether she was a willing participant or if she was coerced into this illegal activity.

With the case still unfolding, officials are closely examining who recruited her, who financed the smuggling, and who the final recipients of the gold were.

This shocking case has left many questioning the deep connections between crime networks and high-profile individuals. Stay tuned for more updates as the investigation continues.