Mon Mar 10 12:03:47 UTC 2025: ## Kannada Actress Remanded in Gold Smuggling Case
**Bengaluru, March 10, 2025** – Kannada actress Harshavardhini Ranya, also known as Ranya Rao, was remanded to judicial custody for 14 days on Monday after her arrest in a major gold smuggling case. A special economic offences court made the decision following three days of interrogation by the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI).
The DRI seized gold bars worth ₹12.56 crore from Ms. Rao at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport. During her court appearance, Ms. Rao reportedly broke down. The case has sparked a political controversy, with B.Y. Vijayendra alleging the complicity of a Congress Minister. The CBI has also registered a case to investigate the smuggling racket, which is believed to have international links.
Adding to the intrigue, Ms. Rao is the stepdaughter of senior IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, the current Chairman and Managing Director of the Karnataka State Police Housing and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd. DGP Rao has denied any knowledge of his stepdaughter’s involvement.
First Piper 