Wed Mar 05 16:46:56 UTC 2025: ## Kannada Actor and Stepdaughter of Top Cop Arrested for Smuggling 15kg of Gold

**Bengaluru, India** – Ranya Rao, a Kannada film actress and stepdaughter of Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation Director-General Ramachandra Rao, was arrested at Bengaluru airport on Monday for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kg of gold worth approximately Rs 12.56 crore (approximately $1.5 million USD). The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) apprehended Rao after she arrived from Dubai, discovering the gold concealed on her person and in the possession of her aides. Authorities also subsequently searched Rao’s home, uncovering an additional Rs 2.06 crore in gold jewelry and Rs 2.67 crore in cash. The total value of seized assets amounts to Rs 17.29 crore.

Rao, known for her role in the 2014 film “Maanikya,” allegedly attempted to bypass security checks, identifying herself as the daughter of a high-ranking police officer and requesting police escort. Suspicions were raised due to her four trips to Dubai within 15 days. The DRI had been monitoring her movements prior to her arrest.

Ramachandra Rao, the DGP, expressed shock and devastation at the news, claiming he was unaware of his stepdaughter’s activities. He stated that Rao lives separately from him and suggested possible family issues may be involved. The investigation is now underway to determine whether Rao acted alone or as part of a larger smuggling network, and to investigate potential collusion with law enforcement officials. Rao has been remanded to judicial custody and faces charges under the Customs Act. This seizure represents one of the largest gold smuggling busts at Bengaluru airport in recent years.

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