Fri Mar 07 07:15:41 UTC 2025: ## Kannada Actress Arrested for Smuggling 14kg of Gold

**Bengaluru, India** – Kannada film actress Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of a senior IPS officer, has been arrested at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport for allegedly smuggling 14.8 kilograms of gold, worth approximately Rs 14.56 crore (approximately $1.77 million USD). This is one of the largest gold seizures in the region recently.

Rao, 33, confessed to possessing 17 gold bars in a statement to revenue officials. She detailed frequent international travel, including multiple trips to Dubai (27 in the past year alone), the Middle East, Europe, and the United States. Authorities became suspicious after noticing her fourth trip from Dubai in just 15 days.

Further investigation revealed that Rao allegedly acted as part of a smuggling ring, receiving commissions of Rs 4-5 lakh (approximately $4,800 – $6,000 USD) per kilogram of gold smuggled from Dubai to Bengaluru. She reportedly concealed the gold on her person. A subsequent raid of her home uncovered additional gold jewelry valued at over Rs 2 crore (approximately $240,000 USD) and Rs 2.67 crore (approximately $320,000 USD) in Indian currency.

Rao’s stepfather, Ramachandra Rao, Director-General of Police of the Karnataka State Police Housing Corporation, has vehemently denied any involvement and expressed shock and devastation at the news. He stated that he hadn’t been in contact with his stepdaughter since her marriage four months prior.

Rao, who made her film debut in 2014, remains in judicial custody awaiting her next hearing. She claims her confession was voluntary and that she is cooperating with the investigation.

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