Fri Mar 07 01:41:37 UTC 2025: ## Kannada Actress Detained, ₹17 Crore in Gold Seized: Step-Father Denies Involvement

**Bengaluru, March 7, 2025** – Kannada actress Ranya Rao was detained at Kempegowda International Airport in Bengaluru after customs officials seized gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from her possession. Further searches at her residence yielded an additional ₹2.06 crore in gold jewellery and ₹2.67 crore in cash, bringing the total seizure to ₹17.29 crore. This includes assets worth ₹4.73 crore, representing one of the largest gold seizures at the Bengaluru airport in recent times, according to the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).

The incident has sparked controversy as Ranya Rao is the stepdaughter of Ramachandra Rao, the DGP and Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. In a press statement, Mr. Rao expressed deep distress over the situation, stating that he had no knowledge of his stepdaughter’s alleged involvement in gold smuggling and that his reputation has been unfairly tarnished. He emphasized his commitment to honesty and integrity throughout his career in public service.

While expressing his grief and requesting fairness, Mr. Rao assured that if Ranya Rao violated any laws, legal action would be taken. The DRI investigation continues into this significant blow to organized gold smuggling networks.

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