Wed Mar 12 04:58:32 UTC 2025: ## Kannada Actress Arrested for Smuggling 14kg of Gold, Cash, and Jewelry Seized

**Bengaluru, India** – Kannada actress Ranya Rao was arrested at Kempegowda International Airport on March 4th for attempting to smuggle 14.2 kilograms of 24-karat gold into India. Rao, who arrived on an Emirates flight from Dubai, bypassed customs declarations, concealing the gold on her person using crepe bandages and hidden compartments in her clothing and shoes.

Authorities from the Department of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) intercepted Rao based on prior intelligence. While a metal detector alerted officials, initial scans of her luggage revealed nothing. A subsequent personal search uncovered the gold, which was valued significantly above the permitted limit under the Customs Act of 1962. The DRI calculated the duty evasion at approximately Rs 4.83 crore (approximately $580,000 USD).

A subsequent search of Rao’s residence yielded further evidence, including Rs 2.67 crore in cash and jewelry worth over Rs 2 crore. Rao was unable to provide documentation for either. Dubai customs declarations revealed Rao had previously purchased the gold in Dubai, claiming she was transporting it to Geneva – a discrepancy that contributed to her arrest.

Authorities cited Rao’s multiple trips to Dubai and failure to fully cooperate with the investigation as reasons for her arrest, suggesting she may be part of a larger smuggling syndicate. The DRI arrest memo also addressed prior injury marks under her eyes, clarifying they pre-dated her arrest and refuting claims of torture in custody.

The Karnataka government has launched a Criminal Investigation Department (CID) probe into the matter, investigating potential police lapses and any possible collusion, especially considering Rao’s step-father, senior IPS officer K Ramachandra Rao, is also under investigation. The CID will examine whether there was any complicity from within the police department.

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