Tue Mar 04 17:08:05 UTC 2025: ## Kannada Actress Arrested for Gold Smuggling at Bengaluru Airport

**Bengaluru, March 4, 2025** – Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, 33, was arrested on Sunday evening at Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly attempting to smuggle 14.8 kg of gold, valued at over ₹12 crore (approximately $1.46 million USD), from Dubai. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Rao after receiving a tip-off. Sources indicate the gold was concealed on her person.

Rao, who starred in films including “Manikya” (2014), was reportedly escorted by a constable from the airport police station, who was also detained and questioned before being released. Rao’s frequent trips to Dubai, despite lacking business or family ties there, and her ability to bypass security checks raised suspicions. Dubai is known as a hub for gold smuggling.

Rao appeared before the Special Court for Economic Offences on Monday and was remanded to 14 days of police custody until March 18. She reportedly claims to have been blackmailed into acting as a mule, a claim that is currently under investigation. Authorities are also probing the source of the gold, the funds used for its purchase, and the payment methods involved, with suspicions of hawala transactions leading to potential involvement of the Directorate of Enforcement. A search of Rao’s Bengaluru residence was conducted on Monday. Rao is the stepdaughter of a senior Karnataka police officer, K. Ramachandra Rao, who serves as Director-General of Police for the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation.

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