Tue Mar 04 17:00:00 UTC 2025: ## Kannada Actress Arrested at Bengaluru Airport for Gold Smuggling

**Bengaluru, India –** Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport on Monday night for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold into India. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) seized the gold, which was concealed both on her person and within her clothing, after Rao arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai.

Rao, known for her role in the film “Maanikya” opposite Kannada superstar Sudeep, had been under DRI surveillance for several weeks due to her frequent trips to Dubai. Authorities are investigating whether she received assistance from law enforcement personnel, noting that she allegedly used her connection to a high-ranking police officer (her father, a DGP-rank IPS officer) to gain expedited passage through the airport on previous occasions. The DRI is investigating whether any local police officers were complicit or unwittingly involved in the smuggling operation.

Rao was taken into custody and interrogated at the DRI headquarters in Bengaluru. She is expected to appear before a Bengaluru court today. The DRI has yet to release an official statement regarding the ongoing investigation.

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