Thu Mar 13 04:20:40 UTC 2025: ## Bollywood Actress Arrested in Major Gold Smuggling Ring, State Official Implicated
**Bengaluru, India** – Bollywood actress Ranya Rao, stepdaughter of IPS officer Ramachandra Rao, remains in judicial custody following her arrest on March 3rd for allegedly smuggling 14 kg of gold into Bengaluru’s Kempegowda airport. The Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI) today revealed details of a massive smuggling operation implicating a state protocol officer and a large syndicate.
The DRI, opposing Rao’s bail application, told the court that the actress, who has travelled to Dubai 27 times in the last six months and holds a UAE Resident Identity Card, was escorted through airport security by a state protocol officer who is now under investigation. Rao allegedly bypassed customs declaration using the Green Channel. The DRI intercepted her only moments before exiting the airport.
The agency alleges that a significant amount of money was transferred through hawala channels, indicating a large-scale operation. A search of Rao’s Lavelle Road home yielded gold jewelry worth ₹2.06 crore (approximately $250,000 USD) and ₹2.67 crore (approximately $320,000 USD) in cash.
The DRI claims Rao is uncooperative with the investigation and argues that the case is a matter of national security, citing the need to investigate the hawala network. A decision on Rao’s bail is expected tomorrow. Her current custody ends on March 24th.
First Piper 